The local Prayer/Action Chapter of Concerned Women for America (Missouri) met on Tuesday, September 17, at Covenant Life Church in downtown Branson. A primary focus of the meeting was the November general election, particularly the ballot question for Amendment 3 which, if approved, would enshrine the right to abortion as part of the Missouri Constitution.
The group reviewed a panel interview from the recent Cultural Impact Conference in Ozark, Missouri. Concerns voiced by that panel and during ensuing discussion by meeting attendees, centered around ambiguous ballot language which leaves many other issues subject to interpretation or future judges’ decisions. Examples were given of wording which could be interpreted to create several risks:
Over 60 pro-life laws currently in the state would be removed due to “reproductive freedom,” as well as laws currently protecting minors and women’s sports.
Minors could get abortions without parental knowledge or consent, which could also lead to increased youth sex trafficking.
Abortion would be allowed through all nine months of pregnancy for unspecified “physical or mental health.” (Genuine medical emergencies and pre-term labor can receive care under existing law.)
Health and safety standards, including clinic facilities, would be eliminated; a “provider” would not have to be a licensed physician; and women harmed by a procedure could not sue for damages.
Abortion clinics would not be required to offer an ultrasound in discussing “choice;” but all pregnancy clinics would be forced to refer clients for abortion.
Taxpayer funds could not be denied to abortion providers, potentially redirecting funds currently allocated for other purposes.
Teachers or counselors could face repercussions for talking with parents about gender confusion a child expresses at school.
CWA urges everyone to do research about these risks and then VOTE. The Cultural Impact discussion is available at www.CIconference.org; additional resources include:
Concernedwomen.org (CWA website with ballot issues by state)
Myfaithvotes.org (write letters to Christians who haven’t been voting)
Reasonforlife.org/motraining (letter to pastors)
MissouriLife.org (Right to Life resources and handouts)
The September 17 meeting also included a positive picture, however, as Madelyn Sestak, president of the Young Women for America chapter at College of the Ozarks, shared her experiences during the recent CWA bus tour. Great things are happening among young women on the nation’s college campuses as they gather, pray and take action. Plans for the C of O chapter for this year will focus on “Sanctity of Life,” including a showing of the White Rose Resistance film “1916 Project.” YWA members will be partnering with Students for Life to distribute crosses, as well as volunteering locally at Options Clinic.
Haven Howard reminded the group of several important dates coming up:
September 24 – Absentee balloting begins
October 4 – Omer Eshel from Israel will speak at Branson First Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. on “Archaeological Finds That Prove the Bible Is True”
October 9 – Last day to register to VOTE
October 12 – Patriot Academy at Freedom Encounter Theatre
October 19 – Branson Prayer March
The meeting wrapped up with prayer for the nation, Missouri and our communities.
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