The many faces of MO Gov Mike Parson on restricting body autonomy:

[NullTuples]

"Missouri has become the first state in the nation to effectively end abortions. In response to today's SCOTUS ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, I have signed a proclamation activating the "Right to Life of the Unborn Child Act," ending elective abortions in the State."

(his Twitter, 8:17 AM · Jun 24, 2022)

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And then, a month later in response to reporters' questions regarding the vagueness of the bill he signed:

“I don’t know if there’s ever going to be a clear-cut answer how to do that,” said Parson. “But, one thing I do know, it’s not for bureaucrats and attorneys to make that decision.”

He said doctors must have a seat at the table when those decisions are being made. The governor also said the issue is “complicated” -- too complicated for a special session."

[Parson's] Department of Health and Senior Services says while the department regulates abortion facilities to ensure patient safety, the enforcement of the criminal provision are up to prosecutors and Missouri Attorney General’s office.

https://www.kctv5.com/2022/07/14/doctors-need-seat-that-table-governor-parson-weighs-abortion-law-confusion/

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Then today:

“We regulate when a kid can drive a car, when they can smoke, when they can drink, and (now) all of a sudden we want to say they can have some sort of life changing experience that affects them for the rest of their life — and they don’t get a second chance on that.”
https://newstalkkzrg.com/2023/03/08/mo-gov-parson-on-transgender-children/

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Does he truly believe that forcing a teenager - or someone even younger - to complete a pregnancy, or not giving them a choice as to whether a pregnancy gets started (and then forcing them to complete it) won't be a "life changing experience"? Also, an abortion is exactly a "second chance" to live the life of a teenager instead of a parent who is not ready, in so many ways.

Likewise, NOT allowing trans teen health care decisions to be made between a teen, their parents and doctor or medical team is a "life changing experience that affect them for the rest of their life", in a negative way, and they don't get a second chance at puberty.

I'm so frustrated with Republicans simply spinning reality to fit whatever their political and social need is in the moment. And their base happily not only accepting it, but rewarding them for it. Along with anyone who makes money off of that dynamic along the way (looking at you, right wing media, religious leaders, pundits/authors/public figures, and so on...).