A Republican lawmaker in North Dakota and Lutheran pastor, Jeff Hoverson, has filed a bill with the aim of making the act of an abortion a crime in the state. However, there is an exception for life of the mother.
Rep. Jeff Hoverson, R-Minot introduced the House Bill 1313. The intention is to amend sections of the North Dakota Century Code which emphasis on the murder of an unborn child and apply it to any person that willingly performs an abortion of an unborn child for any reason other than to save the life of the pregnant woman.
An act of the crime would be categorized as a Class AA felony, which attracts a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment, with the likelihood of parole, at the judgment of the court. A section of the bill reads;
A person that intentionally or knowingly aids, abets, facilitates, solicits, or incites another person to commit an abortion is guilty of a class C felony. Class C felonies carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, a fine of ten thousand dollars, or both.
While speaking to reporters, Hoverson said that although he is a Christian, he did not file the bill as a result of his faith. Rather, he knows that it is "common sense".
According to Duluth News Tribune, the lawmaker said, I think its long past due that weve got to start listening to the babies. Any human that would have compassion would not want to see a baby die that way, but its not because some religion taught me. It's everything from humanity to common sense. I think even an atheist could come to that.
Hoverson is the pastor of Living Word Lutheran Church in Minot. In his website, there is an affirmation on what the church teaches. According to the website, the Word of God is placed on a high value. They also centre on teaching, preaching, and getting to people with the gospel of Christ Jesus. This is for the purpose of their eternal destiny. The pastor also believes that the Word of God is a blessing to everyone on earth.
Some members of the house have expressed concern over Hoversons bill. Josh Boschee, D-Fargo, who is the House Minority Leader stated that if the bill is passed, it might end up in a legal tussle that would be costly. However, Hoverson said that it is inconsequential because putting a stop to legal abortion is the "right thing to do".
"We've allowed the Supreme Court to hold us hostage. Were willing to go against federal law for marijuana, but we wont do it for a baby,” Hoverson said.
Meanwhile, a member of the House Human Services Committee where the bill is presently being deliberated, Rep. Gretchen Dobervich, D-Fargo, agrees with the intention. However, he suggests an amendment due to the fact that the law would only be effective when Roe v. Wade is overturned. Also, she would prefer that there is a funding set aside to defend the case in court.
Presently, there are four co-sponsors of the bill: Reps. Larry Bellew, R-Minot; Jeff Magrum, R-Hazleton, Sebastian Ertelt, R-Lisbon; and Tom Kading, R-Fargo.
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