Bloomberg Law
June 9, 2020, 4:20 PM

Satanist’s Religious Rights Not Impaired by Abortion Law

Mary Anne Pazanowski
Mary Anne Pazanowski
Legal Reporter

A Missouri law that requires abortion providers to give women a booklet stating that life begins at conception, an opportunity to have an ultrasound examination, and a 72-hour waiting period doesn’t violate a Satanist’s religious rights, the Eighth Circuit said Tuesday.

Missouri’s statement that life begins at conception doesn’t represent an establishment of religion in violation of the First Amendment, even though it aligns with the tenets of some religions, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit said in affirming the dismissal of Jane Doe’s claims.

A state’s action in “taking sides on a divisive issue, even when ...