Pray for your pro-life public servants
July 26, 2005
I am grateful to The Pathway for giving me the opportunity to respond to false allegations leveled at me by lobbyists and the purported leaders of Missouri Right to Life (MRL).
Throughout my travels across the state I have heard from Missourians who share my firm commitment to protect the lives of the unborn and my goal of reducing the number of abortions in our state. I am encouraged by the prayers and words of encouragement I have received from fellow Southern Baptists, other believers, and people of all faiths who are tired of hearing baseless allegations from paid lobbyists and want to see decisive action in the upcoming special session I will call to reduce the number of abortions that occur in Missouri.
It is clear from their public comments that the purported leaders of MRL miss the days when pro-abortion governors and pro-abortion legislators set the policy agenda in our state. This is the only plausible explanation for their active effort to defeat two good pro-life bills that if enacted stood the best chance of withstanding an inevitable legal challenge by Planned Parenthood and their liberal allies in state government before ever-activist courts.
I was pleased to learn from editor Don Hinkle’s column that a record number of visitors have visited The Pathway’s Internet site to learn more about these vitally important pieces of legislation. Based on conversations I have had at church, in the State Capitol and in communities across Missouri I believe people are getting the message.
Senseless political game playing with lives of unborn children and young women has no place in a government based on Judeo-Christian values. I am more determined now than ever to work with fellow pro-life leaders like Rep. Brian Baker, R-Belton, to create a culture that values the lives of unborn babies to undo the harm inflicted to this noble cause over the last 12 years.
I humbly ask those who believe in these attainable goals to pray for their pro-life servants in the Missouri General Assembly, many of whom have also been falsely accused as well. Working together, we can change minds and hearts on an issue with such a substantive influence on our culture and our future. (Matt Blunt is the governor of Missouri and attends Second Baptist Church, Springfield.)