A Missouri House committee has advanced a proposal to add a right to life of unborn humans to the state’s Constitution.

Representative Mike Moon (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)

Representative Mike Moon (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)

Being called a “personhood amendment,” it would recognize in the constitution a right to life of “unborn children at every stage of development.”

The committee changed it to remove exemptions in cases of rape or incest, or to save the life of a mother. That was proposed by Representative Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville).

“All life is life regardless of how was conceived,” said Brattin.

Representative Stacey Newman (D-St. Louis) called the proposal “extreme” and said that change makes it even more so.

“This is extremely punitive and again would be placing many women in danger,” said Newman.

The proposal’s sponsor, Representative Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) said it would not stop abortions, but would lay the groundwork for future laws dealing with abortion. Opponents argue it aims to stop abortions.

If the measure passes the legislature it would have to be approved by voters.