(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) ST. LOUIS (CN) — Missouri’s law requiring physicians to give women a pro-life booklet and perform an ultrasound before an abortion does not infringe on a Satanist’s religious freedom, the Eighth Circuit ruled Tuesday. Judy Doe, a member of the Satanic Temple, filed a lawsuit in February 2018 claiming that the state’s definition of life beginning at conception violates the establishment and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment. “Doe makes no argument, however, that the informed-consent law is anything other than ‘neutral’ and ‘generally applicable,’” U.S. Circuit Judge David R. Stras wrote for a three-judge panel. “In these circumstances, it must only survive rational-basis review, which requires it to be ‘rationally related to a legitimate government interest.’ To the extent Doe argues that the certification requirement lacks a rational basis, we disagree.” The 8-page ruling affirms the decision by U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey to dismiss the claim, which prompted the appeal to the St. Louis-based appeals court. U.S. Circuit Judges Duane Benton, a George W. Bush appointee, and L. Steven Grasz joined Stras, a fellow appointee of President Donald Trump, on the panel. “This really comes as no surprise,” attorney W. James Mac Naughton, […]
