Voted for "heartbeat bill": abortion ban after 15 weeks
In March, Gov. Bryant signed the "heartbeat bill" into law, banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can come as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The law does not allow exceptions for rape or incest.
The law is being challenged
in federal court by the Center for Reproductive Rights. Mississippi has been in a similar position before. Last year, Bryant signed a 15-week abortion ban into law. After an emergency hearing, the law was ruled unconstitutional and blocked from taking
effect.
Attorney General Jim Hood recently filed papers on behalf of the state, appealing the ruling. So, now, both the 15-week ban and the heartbeat bill are in court.
Of the legislation, Gov. Bryant previously said, "We think this is showing the
profound respect and desire of Mississippians to protect the sanctity of that unborn life whenever possible."
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 81-36-2, Feb. 13; passed Senate 34-14-4, Feb. 13; Sen. Chris McDaniel voted YES.
Ban abortions after 15 weeks, even if rape or incest
Legislative Summary: HB1510: The Gestational Age Act; to enact definitions; to prohibit abortions after 15 weeks' gestation.
Analysis by Y'all Politics blog:
The bill would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks, with only few life-threatening exceptions. Typical viability, at its earliest, is close to 23 weeks, according the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Unusual for this type of legislation, it does not include an exception for rape or incest.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 35-14-3 on Mar/6/18; State Sen. Chris McDaniel voted YES; Passed House 76-34-10 on Mar/18/18; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Mar/19/18
The Center for Pregnancy Choices of South Central Mississippi hosted a luncheon to help bring awareness to Mississippi's Personhood Amendment. State Sen. McDaniel spoke at the event and called the Center for Pregnancy Choices a "godsend."
"They are
amazing," he said. "They are on the front lines in the fight for life. They're out there letting people know there are other options aside from just aborting the child."
McDaniel said he favors the Personhood Amendment and anything else that promotes
the pro-life message. "It's important to discuss it so everyone can understand it," he said. "I hope one day it leads to a culture that embraces life."
McDaniel said that millions of children have been aborted since the passage of Roe vs. Wade in
1973. "Unborn children are children," he said. "They're human beings and should be protected by law."
Amendment 26 would outlaw abortion, human cloning, embryo stem cell research, and other forms of "medical cannibalism."
Prohibit ObamaCare insurance exchange coverage for abortion
SB3214: Health care exchange plans; prohibit use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions in Mississippi.
Summary by Center for Reproductive Rights [a pro-choice group]: Mississippi responded to [ObamaCare] by passing a bill
(SB 3214) that bars any insurer from offering insurance coverage for abortion in the state exchange, except when the woman's life is endangered by "a physical disorder, physical illness or physical injury" or in cases of rape or incest.
The legislature was so eager to pass this bill that it circumvented its own bill introduction deadlines and procedural rules to do so.
Legislative outcome: Passed House 75-32-15, Apr/24/10; Passed Senate 47-0-5, Apr/23/10; State Senator Chris McDaniel voted YES; Signed by Governor Haley Barbour May/25/10
McDaniel opposes the CC survey question on funding abortion
The Christian Coalition Voter Guide inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Public Funding of Abortions (Such as Govt. Health Benefits and Planned Parenthood)'
Christian Coalition's self-description: "Christian Voter Guide is a clearing-house for traditional, pro-family voter guides. We do not create voter guides, nor do we interview or endorse candidates."
Source: Christian Coalition Surve 18CC-1b on Jul 1, 2018
McDaniel supports the CC survey question on parental notification
The Christian Coalition Voter Guide inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Parental Notification for Abortions by Minors '
Christian Coalition's self-description: "Christian Voter Guide is a clearing-house for traditional, pro-family voter guides. We do not create voter guides, nor do we interview or endorse candidates."
Source: Christian Coalition Surve 18CC-1c on Jul 1, 2018