Joe Smith: Defending the Rights of Expectant Mothers through Expansion of the Castle Doctrine

A Michigan woman experienced a horrifying situation when she attempted to protect herself and her unborn babies from a domestic attack. On evening, her boyfriend threatened her, beat her up and continuously punched her in the abdomen. In attempt to save her unborn children and protect her life, she stabbed and killed him. Later, a court found her guilty citing that her boyfriend was not trying to kill her but he was trying to kill her unborn babies so she had no right to use deadly force against him.

This incident has sent shockwaves through legislatures across the country – including Missouri. Last week, the House passed House Bill 2081, sponsored by Representative Jeanie Riddle, R – Mokane. This legislation expands the Castle Doctrine and gives expectant mothers the right to use deadly force in effort to protect themselves and their unborn child from attackers if they feel that deadly force is necessary.

Oklahoma passed this legislation unanimously through both legislative chambers. Similarly, the House has passed the bill and it is currently in the Senate.