Pro-Life Movement A Major Player In Key Criminal Justice Issue
Caroline MolloyIn many politically conservative states, a subtle yet significant shift in the pro-life movement is underway: a move toward a consistent pro-life stance against the death penalty.
This month, we’re seeing it in Indiana, where three pro-life Republican lawmakers introduced a bill to end the state’s death penalty.
“I believe only one position honors our Lord and Savior, our Creator, to protect all human life,” said lead sponsor state Rep. Bob Morris, who joined other pro-life leaders at an Indiana state capitol news conference on Monday, Feb. 3.
“If we begin deciding when life is sacred versus when it is not sacred, our culture finds only regret,” Morris said. “Committed to the truth regarding life as sacred, then we should also say that every human life exists by the holy will of God Almighty, and that sacredness extends from the moment of conception until the final natural breath.”
Head east across the state line into Ohio, and you will find a similar story with a cadre of GOP state lawmakers sponsoring bills to end capital punishment.
“My strong faith and personal experience have brought me to this crossroads in criminal justice,” Republican Sen. Michele Reynolds wrote in The Columbus Dispatch. “I believe in the sanctity of human life. I believe that life starts in the mother’s womb and should continue through our natural course of being, blessed to live on God’s earth.”
In Montana, lawmakers recently debated a bill that would have “fixed” their death penalty law, making it more likely for executions to resume there after more than 18 years. “As a supporter of pro-life – in all pro-life issues – I cannot accept this particular bill,” said Republican Rep. Zack Wirth during the debate. “A person in my position, we’re all pro-life, from the womb to the tomb.”
