In light of Missouri Right to Life's decision to endorse one of my opponents, there have been questions about where all the candidates stand on the issue of abortion. The Joplin Globe today sent out the following questions to all candidates. I want to share with you my answers to those questions so that you are informed and can pass on my position on the issue of abortion to others.

1. What is your position on abortion?

I oppose abortion except in cases where it is necessary to prevent the death of the mother, in cases of incest committed against a minor, and in cases of forcible rape.

As prosecutor, I defended the 2005 amendment to the abortion law requiring a doctor who is performing abortions to have medical privileges within a thirty mile radius of where the abortion is performed. Greene County was the only county in the state where we had a doctor performing abortions without local medical privileges. In the federal case Springfield Healthcare Center, Inc. v. Darrell L. Moore, case no. 05-4296-CV-C, we filed an answer to uphold the law, met with local doctors, and prepared to defend the law from attacks by out of state Planned Parenthood pro-abortion attorneys. Springfield Healthcare Center and Planned Parenthood saw the obstacles and dismissed the suit.

I would note that Missouri Right to Life sent me a letter last week indicating that while it was endorsing another candidate, I would be listed on their website as a pro-life candidate. That letter (dated June 15, 2010) starts as follows: "Dear Mr. Moore, Thank you for standing up for the sanctity of life. We have recorded you as pro-life in our records and on our website."

Also, my wife and I through the years have supported the Vitae Caring Foundation and the Springfield Pregnancy Care Center. Blye provided the music for years at the Vitae fundraising dinner here in Springfield.

2. What is your position on stem cell research involving embryos?

I support stem cell research based on stem cells harvested from umbilical cord blood and from adult tissue. However, I view anything else as the willful creation and destruction of human life for selfish reasons. Therefore, I oppose what is known as somatic cell nuclear transfer.

3. How did you vote on Amendment 2 in 2006? I voted against it.

In light of my demonstrated and active support of pro-life positions, your guess is as good as mine as to why Missouri Right to Life did not endorse me. I hope that you look not only at my position and experience in this area, but also look at my positions on the other serious issues of the day (e.g., creating jobs, federal fiscal responsibility, reducing the deficit and national debt, real health care reform and a return to a more limited federal government) and see that I am the best candidate to serve you as your next congressman.