Senate Concurrent Resolution 539

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS OF LEGENDARY OB/GYN DR. FREDA MCKISSIC BUSH, M.D., OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE LEGISLATURE TO HER FAMILY, FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND PATIENTS.

WHEREAS, Mississippi lost a giant in health care this week with the passing of retired OB-GYN, author and anti-abortion advocate Dr. Freda McKissic Bush, M.D., on December 15, 2023; and

WHEREAS, "She was an accomplished physician and an even better mother," her son shared. "Her favorite scripture is relevant even during this time...Romans 8:28. Thank you for your love and example of a life well lived"; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bush graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical School and completed her residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. In 1987, she began practicing in Jackson at East Lakeland OB-GYN Associates and was a Clinical Instructor in the Department of OB-GYN and Department of Family Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Bush went on to become President and CEO of the Medical Institute for Sexual Health in 2012. She was a member of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bush was an early leading voice for the Mississippi Personhood Amendment for more than a decade ago. That initiative failed but her advocacy did not wane. She took her message across the country, often speaking specifically to African American communities; and

WHEREAS, during her 40 years in health care, Bush co-authored two books, HOOKED, New Science on How Casual Sex Is Affecting Our Children and Girls Uncovered, New Research on What America's Sexual Culture Does to Young Women, with Dr. Joe S. McIlhaney. She was a contributing writer to Faith Matters: How African American Faith Communities Can Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy, published by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Dr. Bush also published articles in the Journal of Medical Regulation, Mississippi State Medical Association Journal, Christianity Today, Charisma Magazine, and Christian Living Metro Jackson; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bush was part of the Mississippi Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Teen Pregnancy Prevention and served as Chair of the Medical Advisory Subcommittee. She also served as a Presidential appointee to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA); and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bush lent her voice and expertise to the Physician's Resource Council for Focus on the Family and was a Medical Advisor for Heartbeat International and CareNet while serving as Medical Director to the Center for Pregnancy Choices in Metro Jackson; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker issued this statement on the death of Dr. Bush. "Gayle and I mourn the loss of Dr. Freda Bush, a giant of the pro-life cause whose example inspired doctors, nurses, and citizens across the nation. In her 30 years as an OB-GYN, Dr. Bush worked on the front lines serving women and children, becoming a leading voice for the unborn. She championed the Mississippi Life Equality Act in 2020, which has saved countless lives. Her journey from nurse to doctor to pro-life leader was an American success story. Her impact will live on in the lives of those she inspired and the children who were born because of her tireless efforts. As we mourn her loss, we celebrate her legacy"; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Bush was loved and cherished by many, including her parents, James E. McKissic and Rosa Daniels-McKissic; her husband, Lee Bush; four children; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and Dr. James Dobson, and Dr. Jim Daly; and

WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen of Jackson, Mississippi, whose enormous civic energy and advocacy was an example to others of how to live your convictions with courage. She will be missed:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss of legendary OB/GYN Dr. Freda McKissic Bush, M.D., of Jackson, Mississippi, and extend the condolences of the Legislature to her family, friends, colleagues and patients.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Dr. Bush, forwarded to the CEO of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and the Director of East Lakeland OB-GYN Associates, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.