Exhibit 12. Statement re computation of ratios

TORCHMARK CORPORATION

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2009		2008		2009		2008
Earnings:
Pre-tax earnings	$	160,407	$	184,606	$	286,703	$	363,036
Fixed charges		34,511		32,767		68,384		66,372
Earnings before fixed charges	$	194,918	$	217,373	$	355,087	$	429,408
Fixed charges:
Interest expense*		14,777		14,691		30,306		30,737
Amortization of bond issue costs		139		127		274		253
Interest credited for deposit products		19,227		17,522		37,085		34,498
Estimated interest factor of rental expense		368		427		719		884
Total fixed charges	$	34,511	$	32,767	$	68,384	$	66,372
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		5.6		6.6		5.2		6.5
Rental expense	$	1,116	$	1,295	$	2,180	$	2,678
Estimated interest factor of rental expense (33%)	$	368	$	427	$	719	$	884

* There was no interest capitalized in any period indicated.