Several aldermen in the City of St. Louis have or are considering introducing three pro-abortion city ordinances.
Board Bill 203 was filed on December 2, 2016, by 15th Ward Alderwoman Megan E. Green. This bill would amend the city's anti-discrimination ordinance to add pregnancy and "reproductive health decisions" as protected classes. Current classes include race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, and several others.
The concern of this proposal is that employers, regardless of the personal views or religious beliefs, would be prohibited from discriminating against persons, partnerships, associations, corporations, etc., who obtain abortion, birth control or artificial reproduction (e.g., in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, etc.).
There are no exemptions for churches, religious organizations or for any person with a conscientious objection.
The other two proposed bills would:
- Establish a buffer zone around the entrance to Planned Parenthood at 4251 Forest Park Ave, and
- Make disturbances at a reproductive health clinic a violation of city law.
The legal team at Missouri Right to Life is currently examining the Board bills and their impact. There is much doubt that these proposals can contradict state law. Missouri Right to Life will issue an Action Alert in the near future.
