Ollie Corrects The Interviewer

Former Col. Oliver North ribbed a reporter during The Vitae Foundation dinner Thursday night, after The Notebook asked him in an interview about his participation in the "anti-abortion" event.

"Let me correct what you just said . . . I'm here for a pro-life event," North said, correcting the interviewer. "There's a difference."

*WATCH EXCHANGE ABOVE*

While the terms "pro-life" and "pro-choice" are familiar terms, journalists are usually trained to stay away from the politically charged terms. Instead, they're taught to use words like "anti-abortion activists" or "abortion rights supporters." It doesn't always happen. In many stories, both types of phrases are used to avoid redundancy.

In the touchy tussle over language, both sides also like to define their opposition on their own terms. For instance, self-proclaimed "pro-lifers" often use the "pro-abortion" label to describe their opponents. They don't like the "pro-choice" categorization. On the other hand, abortion rights activists routinely scold media outlets for using the "pro-life" term to describe their own opponents.

For a second . . . Try not to think about the language you favor, but rather, ponder what language seems most fair to describe both sides.

Oliver North in Springfield Thursday

Former Marine and FOX News contributor Col. Oliver North will be in Springfield Thursday to speak at the Vitae Foundation's annual anti-abortion dinner.

The dinner is designed to raise money to help "reach out to women facing unplanned pregnancies and connect them with local resources where they can make an informed decision," according to a release.

The 14th annual dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. at University Plaza.

North will also appear in St. Charles on November 16th.

For more information on the Vitae Foundation, click HERE.

MIAC Returneth

GET LIVE TWITTER UPDATES FROM THE MIAC HEARING

*HERE*

A trio of local conservatives sound off on what they hope Wednesday's MIAC hearings at the State Capitol will achieve and if the recent killing of a Kansas abortion doctor will alter the debate about who law enforcement needs to track.

*WATCH CLIPS ABOVE*

Nixa State Rep. Ray Weter said the goal of the Missouri Information Analysis Center hearings should be to differentiate between what's a legitimate approach to targeting and what's an overreaction. He said the report didn't offend him personally, but that his constituents reacted intensely to certain labels used. Rep. Weter called the suspect who is charged with the killing of a Kansas abortion doctor "an outlier," and not a problem Missourians had to worry about.

Right to Life's Dave Plemmons said the goal of the hearings should be to determine "who knew what, when they knew it and why they thought it was ok to issue this on a state level." He called the actions of the Kansas suspect "anti-abortionist," but not "pro-life." Plemmons believes law enforcement has the right to track those with a previous criminal history, but not people who are just associated with a particular group or belief.

2010 State House candidate Kevin Elmer said he wanted these questions answered: "How are they applying it? Where did it come from? What's the reasoning behind it?" He found the MIAC report so general that it could target "anybody who shows up for an abortion debate."

Hearings on the function and procedures of MIAC begin Wednesday afternoon in Jefferson City at 2 p.m. They will be chaired by Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon.

The hearings come after this controversial security document targeted some conservative groups and ignited a political firestorm in Jefferson City that lead to elimination of the report and the replacement of the MIAC director.

Dixon has said the hearings would help ensure that future reports produced by MIAC are "properly and adequately supervised."

To read a timeline of The Notebook's coverage of MIAC for the past few months, click HERE.

MUL Condemns Murder of Abortion Doctor

Missourians United for Life condemn the murder of Kansas abortion doctor George Tiller.

MUL President Ed Martin issued a statement Sunday calling the act "an inappropriate and deplorable response to the terrible injustice of abortion."

Dr. Tiller was shot Sunday during church services where he was serving as an usher.

"MUL encourages all Americans to do everything that they can do to stop abortions and to lessen the number of abortions in our nation" said MUL President Ed Martin. "However, we condemn acts of violence like today's murder of George Tiller as inappropriate and deplorable. Tiller was the worst example of a physician gone bad; he chose to kill late term babies out of a twisted sense of individual freedom. His acts are deplorable and should have been stopped but not by murder."

Read President Obama's statement, via TIME, HERE.

Right to Life Targets Nodler

SHOTS FIRED in the 7th

STEM CELL CONTRIBUTIONS AT ISSUE

"It's like running on an anti-pornography platform and taking contributions from Hustler"

***

"If you're chair of the Appropriations Committee, you're going to get contributions from everybody under the sun"

Missouri Right to Life is raising questions about Sen. Gary Nodler's "pro-life" credentials a day after he announced his candidacy for Congress, pointing to contributions the Budget Chair has received from pro-embryonic stem cell groups over the past two years.

Right to Life political action committee chairman Dave Plemmons estimates that Nodler's two campaign committees have received at least $12,475 from what he calls "two pro-cloning committees" -- Supporters of Health Research and Treatments and the Life Science Fund of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

Nodler's January 2009 campaign finance report shows the most recent donations: a $2,000 contribution from Supporters of Health Research and Treatments and a $2,000 check from the Life Science Fund. Both were made in October 2008.

"I've got no qualms about his claims to be pro-life on abortion, but if you are basing some of your candidacy's draw on being pro-life on the cloning issue and the embryonic stem cell issue, why are you taking so many thousands of dollars from people you say you're against," said Plemmons in an interview with The Notebook Friday.

"It doesn't work that way. It's like running on an anti-pornography platform and taking contributions from Hustler," Plemmons added.

In his Congressional campaign kick-off in Springfield Thursday, Nodler made a short four-word statement on the stem cell issue: "I oppose human cloning."

Nodler spokesperson Gregg Keller wouldn't address the donations specifically, but said that Sen. Nodler "is proudly and unabashedly pro-life and opposes human cloning."

"That's why pro-abortion activists like NARAL have branded him an enemy of theirs and why he has been elected and re-elected with huge pluralities in one Missouri's most pro-life Senate districts," Keller said.

But Plemmons called the donations "dirty money," and noted that while Right to Life has made no endorsement in the 7th District Congressional race yet, "Southwest Missourians deserve a truly pro-life representative in Washington."

Nodler and Right to Life have clashed before on legislative issues and whether funding to universities can be restricted from being used for "life sciences" purposes.

According to KMOX, Nodler accused Missouri Right to Life of lying on the Senate floor on March 5th. "Forget what you hear from Missouri Right to Life because they lie! They misrepresent legislators. They misrepresent our votes. They misdirect the people of our state," Nodler is reported saying.

Missourians United for Life, another anti-abortion organization that was formed in response to some lawmakers complaints with Right to Life's "pro-life" criteria, came to Nodler's defense.

"We would describe him as pro-life," said Ed Martin of Missourians United for Life. "He's been especially helpful in passing laws limiting the number of abortions in Missouri. He's been very open to encouraging limits on taxpayer dollars going to abortion services, human cloning," he added.

Martin said the contributions in question would be something "we'd like to sit down and talk more about," he doesn't necessarily hold them against Nodler.

"If someone takes Stowers money and they still vote our way, I don't really care," Martin said, referring to the Kansas City biomedical research center. "What I know is that Gary Nodler has been a reliable pro-life vote. And if you're the chair of the Appropriations Committee, you're going to get contributions from everybody under the sun," Martin added.

Plemmons said that explanation isn't sufficient, especially when Nodler made abortion and cloning issues key elements in his campaign Thursday.

"As Appropriations Chair, why didn't he say no to the cloning people about those contributions? That's the golden question," Plemmons said.

Schoeller: Anti-Abortion Bill Likely Dead

A bill that would expand Missouri's 24-hour informed consent law for abortions is likely dead, according to Willard Rep. Shane Schoeller.

"The pro-life bill is no longer a reality," Schoeller told The Notebook Thursday evening. He said a Senate severability provision that would exempt a Columbia abortion facility for three years likely killed the bill. "There's not enough consensus to even bring it to the floor," Schoeller said.

WHAT KILLED IT?

"If the new law is struck down, you could keep the exception for that center, so in 2012, if that were to occur, the whole statute goes away. Then you have no 24-hour notice for anyone," explained Schoeller.

The bill passed the Senate, but it ran into trouble in the House because anti-abortion lobbyists complain the bill has been "watered down."

The measure, House Bill 46 & 434, would add newer requirements that must be met at least 24 hours before an abortion can be performed. New materials developed by the Department of Health and Senior Services that detail the risks of an abortion and the development of an "unborn child" at two weeks must be shared with the expectant mother, according to the legislation. The expectant mother must also be allowed to view an ultrasound and hear the heartbeat.

*WATCH A SENATE FLOOR CLIP ABOVE*

Sen. Rob Mayer of Dexter argues for it;

Sen. Jolie Justus argues against it

AP Ponders A Session of "No"

With about 24 hours left in the legislative session, Missouri's wire service notes that major initiatives are currently stalled.

***

Lawmakers have been unable to reach agreements on large bills dealing with economic development, health care and abortion.

POINTS OF CONTENTION:

• Senators are stuck over whether to limit the amount of tax credits that can be approved to renovate old buildings.
• Legislators are still wrestling with language that would expand Missouri's 24-hour informed consent law to have an abortion.
• Disagreements remain on a proposed expansion of healthcare.

Session ends 6 p.m. Friday

Huckabee Likens Abortion to Slavery

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee likened abortion to slavery in a speech at a fundraiser for an anti-abortion organization.

Huckabee said Monday that the U.S. in abolishing slavery already debated and decided that it's wrong for one person to have complete, life or death power over another. Huckabee said that shouldn't change whether the control is based on racial bigotry or a pregnant woman making a decision for her unborn child.

His half-hour speech was for a luncheon fundraiser for the Vitae (VEE'-tay) Caring Foundation. The organization sponsors advertisements encouraging women to seek abortion alternatives.

Huckabee is to speak again at a Monday dinner for the group. Its organizers hoped to raise $400,000.

Rove Credits Roundtable Chair Sauer For McCain Win in Mo.

During a conference call with the Missouri Roundtable for Life, Karl Rove says John McCain was able to to squeak out a win in Missouri because of Chairman Fred Sauer.

"John McCain eeked out a victory in Missouri by 3,000 votes and the truth be known, the guy who was probably most responsible for that victory, is the guy who spoke to us first on this call, because Fred went out and raised several hundred thousand dollars to make certain that National Right to Life had the funds necessary to make the phone calls and get out the mail pieces and do the grass-roots activity to alert Missouri voters -- Democrat or Republican or Independent -- who shared the commitment to the life cause," Rove said on the call.

Sauer is a Navy veteran and is said to have a great personal affinity for John McCain

***

In the call with Sauer and Roundtable President Ed Martin, Rove also urged the anti-abortion movement to ramp up its efforts for 2010.

"This is not an issue that we're fortunate to have the national media with us," Rove told the conference call.

ALSO CALLED MISSOURI AMERICA'S BATTLEGROUND -- EVEN IN MIDTERMS:

"We cannot exchange Kit Bond, who has been very good on this issue in Washington, for somebody who would not be good," Rove said.

"They didn't like losing the state by 3,000 votes. I bet you a dime to a dollar you'll see plenty of President Obama and Vice President Biden in the coming months and they're going to do everything they possibly can to sway this Senate seat in their column," Rove warned.

AND: Rove noted that statistics show that young people are more inclined to be anti-abortion than previous generations of their age.

ADDING: "We've got to find a way to talk about our commitment to life in a way that is comfortable to young people and is appealing to people who's commitment to life doesn't spring from a deep, sustained religious faith."

***

In their opening comments, Sauer said the Roundtable is attacking Amendment 2 (the embryonic stem cell initiative passed in '06) on "every front."

Martin said the Roundtable has made contacts with around 50,000 voters. Added that he's glad to be joined in the "field of battle" with Planned Parenthood in the group's ballot initiative fight. Martin also warned that term-limits in 2010 will replace an entire crop of legislators.

"We need them to recognize and be responsive to the pro-life effect," Martin said of new incoming lawmakers in 2010.

"The Potential Is Great; The Perils Can Be Avoided"

PRESIDENT OBAMA OVERTURNS FEDERAL FUNDING BAN ON EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH

"The proper course has become clear. The majority of Americans -- from across the political spectrum, and from all backgrounds and beliefs -- have come to a consensus that we should pursue this research; that the potential it offers is great, and with proper guidelines and strict oversight, the perils can be avoided," said President Obama during his executive order signing Monday.

"Promoting science isn't just about providing resources -- it's also about protecting free and open inquiry. It's about letting scientists like those who are here today do their jobs, free from manipulation or coercion, and listening to what they tell us, even when it's inconvenient -- especially when it's inconvenient," Obama went on.

OBAMA ALSO CALLS CLONING FOR HUMAN REPRODUCTION "DANGEROUS AND PROFOUNDLY WRONG"

***

REACTION:

"The fact that President Obama is willing to once again say to the rest of world that we will be the beacon for cures and hope is encouraging. My religion teaches me to heal the sick and God gave us this intelligence to find cures for the sick. I think it’s a great moment and I’m proud of him for reversing President Bush’s executive order," said Sen. Claire McCaskill.

"The Stem Cell Amendment also means, when treatments are available, Missouri families will have immediate access and won’t be forced to travel elsewhere to care for their loved ones when they are most vulnerable. In other words, Missouri patients may enjoy the same access to medical care that residents of other states do. While the federal announcement is an important, positive step, patients, their families and others who care about the search for cures must remain alert to ongoing threats at the state level," said Donn Rubin, Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures Chairman.

"While we are disappointed with President Obama’s order that will now direct federal money to human cloning research, we are not surprised especially in light of his reversal of the Mexico City policy which will now allow organizations that do abortions and counsel young women to have abortions to receive American taxpayer dollars. Both of these actions by President Obama make it more clear why the constitutional amendment the Missouri Roundtable For Life has proposed is necessary. The Missouri Roundtable For Life’s ‘Taxpayer Protection Amendment’ simply stops Missouri taxpayer dollars from going to abortion services and human cloning research," said Todd Jones, Missouri Roundtable for Life Executive Director.
***

Lampe's Big Bold Stand

***ANALYSIS***

The look on Sara Lampe's face said it all.

Springfield's #138th District State Representative doesn't hide her emotions well.

She wears them on her sleeve, and face and throughout her body -- as she did when she walked off the House floor Tuesday after a brief but emotionally explosive debate on abortion.

A major portion of the legislation at hand was a provision to criminalize the act of coercing a woman to have an abortion. Lampe, who is in the process of weighing a State Senate run in 2010, didn't have to stand up and voice opposition. She knew, legislatively, it was a losing battle. She's also fully aware of abortion politics in Greene County. A consultant might have warned her to lay low and zip it. But she didn't sit on her hands.

Instead, she offered an amendment to make an exception for rape and incest, while raising the point that a significant number of those victims are children under the age of 12. "If this 12-year-old, 11-year-old, 10-year-old is pregnant, this child is now considered a woman," Lampe said on the floor. "Most parents, in dealing with 10, 11 or 12-year-old, are going to be, perceived as being coercive with their child."

Lampe's amendment predictably went down to defeat two days later.

In an interview immediately following her speech, Lampe was visibly shaking. She acknowledged she "had to stop getting so worked up about these things." But then immediately began doing just that in our interview.

Ed Martin of Missourians United for Life sent me a scathing statement that he wanted included in my story Tuesday night. It viciously ripped Lampe for not caring about women being coerced into abortions. After watching that debate, and seeing Lampe in person, I couldn't run that statement in my story. It seemed over-the-line and unfair -- in addition to avoiding the central point about particular cases of rape and incest. (When asked by The Notebook, Martin declined to offer further on-the-record comment.)

Debate on the merits of the position should be encouraged; labeling someone in favor of coercion seems like over-the-top demagoguery.

Anti-abortion advocates believe the rape and incest statistics are overblown just as much as abortion-rights supporters think partial-birth abortion numbers are inflated overemphasized. Some on the right willingly admit they're happy to have a fight over what "coercion" means, if it stops an abortion. Their position is pure and deep-rooted in fundamental beliefs.

But so is Lampe's.

If Lampe, who is in Hannibal this weekend for Democrat Days, does decide to seek Springfield's 30th District State Senate seat, her abortion amendment is likely to pop up in fliers, door hangers and robo-calls. (Sara Lampe voted to allow women to be forced into abortions . . . the voice will intone.)

She's full aware that she'll see and hear about this vote again. It would've been easier to skirt off the floor and claim a prior appointment.

But the fact that despite all of this, she still stood up and voiced her minority opinion is a bold stroke of political chutzpah.

Later in the week, Nora Cox, Lampe's closest political confidante, said that the State Representative had been deluged with messages from around the region from women thanking her for her stand.

One woman described a pregnancy while dealing with mental health issues. Others wrote about overcoming incest -- and worse.

"This is not about politics for her. It's too important for politics," Cox said, dismissing the possible fallout that may occur down the road.

It's hard for any Democrat to get elected in Greene County. Being vocally in favor of abortion rights won't likely help Lampe's chances in achieving that goal.

But any politician willing to stand their ground -- politics be damned -- deserves a hat tip.

Coercive Abortion Debate Begins in House

Springfield Rep. Sara Lampe faces off with Speaker Pro Tem Bryan Pratt on the House floor over the impact of a bill that would make it illegal to "coerce" a woman into having an abortion.

Read Pratt's bill HERE.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Rep. Lampe offers an amendment to exempt rape and incest victims from the bill.

"90 percent of the victims of rape and incest are children under 12. They are raped by someone who knows them and they need safe and legal options for families to decide the future of this child," Lampe argued.

"We want to say everyone else can be free of coercion, but if you are a victim of rape or incest, we want you as a state to be coerced to have an abortion. That is ridiculous," responded Pratt.

"We're talking about children who are raped by their fathers, by their boyfriends, by their stepfathers, by people within their family, so who's doing the coercing? We're making it a felony for parents to protect their children," Lampe went on.

House Passes Anti-FOCA Resolution

The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a resolution demonstrating their opposition to federal legislation that could potentially nullify some state restrictions on abortion.

The vote in opposition to the Freedom of Choice Act or FOCA was 116 to 40.

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon sponsored the measure that states that FOCA could endanger Missouri's bans on late-term abortions and mandatory parental consent for minors.

"While we are pleased the resolution passed, we are very troubled that x members of the Missouri House are so extreme in their support for abortion that they would even support the gruesome procedure of partial-birth abortion which involves killing the baby as he is or she is being born," said Ed Martin of Missourians United for Life. "If passed, FOCA would do away with state laws banning partial-birth abortion and other pro-life protection enacted in Missouri and others states. Missourians United for Life is urging the Missouri Senate to take up the anti-FOCA resolution and also seeking the support of Missouri’s Congressional delegation in stopping the FOCA bill in Congress," Martin added.

The Associated Press notes the House resolution does not go to the Senate or to the governor. A copy is to be sent to Obama, congressional leaders and Missouri's 11 members in Congress.

Dixon Files Resolution Opposing FOCA

Springfield Rep. Bob Dixon introduced a House Resolution that expresses strong opposition to the federal "Freedom of Choice Act," also known as FOCA.

***

FOCA would codify a woman's right to choose an abortion, and could override state restrictions. 110 members of the House have co-sponsored the legislation. A separate resolution has been filed in the Senate.

"The vast majority of Missourians will agree that any federal legislation that would encourage partial-birth abortion or invalidate any current state laws dealing with partial-birth abortion should never be given serious consideration," said Rep. Dixon. "We hope to send a message to our federal delegation that we are counting on them to do the right thing."

FOCA legislation has not yet been introduced in Congress, but President Obama has indicated his support for the measure.

If passed and signed into federal law, Dixon believes FOCA would invalidate such laws on parental consent and health and safety requirements for abortion clinics.

Abortion Foes Prepare To Fight FOCA

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Thousands converged on the nation's capitol Thursday to mark the 36th anniversary of Roe versus Wade. But anti-abortion supporters are already looking ahead toward what could be their first big legislative battle.

Much has been made of President Obama's reversal of an executive order that banned abortion funding for non-governmental groups working outside the U.S. But abortion opponents already have their sights set on another piece of legislation, called FOCA. That's short for Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).

First introduced in 2007, FOCA is meant to protect a woman's right to begin, prevent or continue a pregnancy. Anti-abortion groups are worried about it because President Obama has said he would sign the bill into law.

What would FOCA mean locally? Click HERE for the full story.

For more on the Catholic church's position on FOCA, click HERE.

For more on Planned Parenthood's position, click HERE.

Donnelly Gets Health & Senior Services Post

4 TO GOFormer State Representative and Democratic candidate for Attorney General Margaret Donnelly is Governor-elect Jay Nixon's pick to direct the Department of Health & Senior Services.

"With her many years of experience as a social worker, an attorney and a state legislator, Margaret understands the key role the Department of Health and Senior Services plays in the lives of all Missourians," said Nixon in a statement.

In the position, Donnelly will oversee programs and divisions, including public and community health, senior and disability services, vital records and emergency preparedness.

ANTI-ABORTION GROUP ANNOUNCES OPPOSITION:

Donnelly will have conflicts of interest if state reverses course and funnels tax dollars to pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood," claims Ed Martin of Missourians United For Life.

"Governor-elect Jay Nixon today has picked as his health and senior services director a public official who has regularly received the endorsement and support of the abortion provider Planned Parenthood who has regularly sued the state to gain access to state tax dollars," said Martin in a statement e-mailed to The Notebook. "Nixon's own record of support for and by Planned Parenthood is well-documented but his appointment leaves Missourians wondering who will protect the state treasury when Planned Parenthood seeks money from it."

ALSO: STATE GOP RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT MARTINEZ ON IMMIGRATION
"When the federal government failed to enact a comprehensive immigration policy, a local municipality did something. Linda Martinez led the effort to overturn their effort to crack down on illegal immigrants arguing, "This is bad law and mean-spirited public policy," said G.O.P. spokeswoman Tina Hervey. "If Nixon’s choice to head DED views anti-illegal immigration laws as ‘mean-spirited’, what message is he sending to Missourians?”, added Hervey. "By selecting Martinez, it is clear that Nixon does not plan on continuing the strong policies enacted by Governor Blunt to curb illegal immigration activity in Missouri, and that’s a shame."

MEANWHILE, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, SPEAKER RON RICHARD CALLED MARTINEZ "A GREAT START" TO BOLSTERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

***
4 NIXON CABINET APPOINTMENTS REMAIN: Director of Agriculture, Director of Insurance, Director of Natural Resources, Director of Public Safety

In an interview with KY3 News Wednesday in Jefferson City, Nixon said he would fill out his cabinet as early as this week or as late as next week.

Some Protest Rule To Protect Health Workers

Should a pharmacist be allowed to refuse to prescribe certain reproductive health drugs or contraceptives if they are against his personal or religious beliefs?

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

It's a last-minute Bush administration proposal that would permit healthcare workers to refuse to grant some services. Planned Parenthood and President-elect Obama have said the rule would put up new hurdles for women seeking some abortion and contraception services.

But some Ozarks pharmacists say they have the right to refuse any type of drug or product, if they don't want to distribute it.

Join the debate at ky3.com

Stem Cells To Return Again?

Anti-abortion Group Seeks To Take on Stem Cell Amendment in 2010
WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Townhall on Taxpayer Money for Abortion, Cloning Tonight

The Missouri Roundtable For Life holds a townhall meeting Thursday night in Springfield to tout a proposed 2010 ballot initiative that would forbid the use of tax dollars for abortion services, human cloning or "other controversial research.

***

The public is invited to attend a townhall at the Executive Conference Center on 910 West Battlefield. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The townhall will run from 7-8 p.m.

***

Speakers included State Senator John Loudon and Ed Martin from the Missouri Roundtable For Life.

Reads the release: "Since the passage of constitutional Amendment 2 in 2006, restrictions on taxpayer funding of abortions and human-cloning research have been swept away. Missouri Roundtable For Life will explain exactly what has happened and how you can help put things right."

For more information, click HERE.

DEVELOPING . . . For KY3 News @ 10

Judge Dismisses Stem Cell Lawsuit

A Cole County judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Missouri Roundtable for Life, critics of embryonic stem cell research.

***

The group's goal was to attempt to block $21 million dollars of state funds for being used for life science research, but a judge ruled that there is no legal dispute. The money is part of the Life Sciences Research Trust Fund, which was created to spend a portion of Missouri's annual proceeds from the tobacco settlement.

***

MO. ROUNDTABLE FOR LIFE RESPONDS:

"We strongly disagree with the court’s decision and, in the interest of protecting Missouri taxpayers, will continue to press our claim in the Court of Appeals," said Fred N. Sauer, a founder of the Missouri Roundtable for Life and a plaintiff in the case. "Since the defendants admitted on the record that they do not know if the restrictions apply, we will also be forced to sue any and all recipients of grant money from the Life Sciences Research Trust Fund and its related entities. We will not let tax dollars go unrestricted to these groups that are privately controlled and may be used to make profits off abortions and research the legislature banned."