(Des Moines, Iowa) – At a capitol event this week in Des Moines, a group of Iowa pastors will call for equal protection of all humans in the womb. Raymond Simmons, pastor of the Ascension Reformed Church in Red Oak and Stanton, says after a year of coordination, the group has released guidance “that makes the biblical case for life at conception and equal protection of all humans in Iowa.” Eighteen pastors across Iowa have signed the guidance, and the number is growing.

If legislation followed the pastors’ counsel, all chemical and surgical abortions would be outlawed in Iowa except for rare cases of medical emergencies where the life of the mother is in danger. It would also classify abortion as murder, with varying degrees, to be handled under the existing penal code. The existing penal code deals with knowledge and intent to ensure justice, says the group.

Pastor Simmons say “We thought it was important to come as local pastors in Iowa. Well-intended legislation can still fall short of God’s requirements. We also want to bring the good news that God will bless our state if we follow Him.”

Eleven other states have already outlawed abortion; however, none of them have implemented equal protection. Equal protection means that both the doctor and the mother would be held accountable under the existing civil penal code for ending a life, no matter the stage.

“The simple fact is that a baby during the first day of conception must be protected the same way she would on the first day of birth. Legislation that does not uphold that is not pleasing to God and is not internally consistent.” Simmons said. “We understand what we are saying is controversial, even among faithful Christians, but we believe it is biblical and have signed our names to it. It is also the historical position of the church before the Soviet Union and Hitler’s Germany institutionalized abortion in the 1920s and 30s.” Simmons said that equal protection bills are popping up all across the US.

The event will be held Wednesday, January 31 at 11:30 a.m. at the Iowa Capitol Rotunda.

SIGNATORIES for Biblical Guidance to the Iowa Civil Leaders on Abortion:

Grant Brown, Crossroad Church, Earlham.
Caleb Castro, Rock Valley United Reformed Church, Rock Valley.
Todd DeRooy, Redeemer United Reformed Church, Orange City.
Dan Donovan, Cornerstone United Reformed Church, Sanborn.
Lloyd Grant, Central Baptist Church, Sioux City.
Cary Gordon, Cornerstone Church, Sioux City.
Sam Jones, Abundant Life Church, Humbolt.
David Koch, Crossroad Church, Earlham.
Joshua Loomis, Church of All Nations, Sioux City.
Jody James Lucero, Providence Reformed Church, Des Moines.
Garry Mayes, Ascension Reformed Church, Red Oak & Stanton.
Kyle McBee, Zion Lutheran Church, Atlantic.
Jamie Mogler, First Baptist Church, Bedford.
Micah Sample, First Baptist Church, Dunkerton.
Christian Shields, Christian Life Church, Cedar Rapids.
Micheal Shover, Christ the Redeemer Church, Pella.
Raymond Simmons, Ascension Reformed Church, Red Oak & Stanton.
Matthew Wiese, Crossroad Church, Earlham.