Exhibit 12. Statement re computation of ratios

TORCHMARK CORPORATION

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2009		2008		2009		2008
Earnings:
Pre-tax earnings	$	147,057	$	105,631	$	433,760	$	468,667
Fixed charges		40,758		33,812		109,142		100,183
Earnings before fixed charges	$	187,815	$	139,443	$	542,902	$	568,850
Fixed charges:
Interest expense*		20,149		15,380		50,455		46,117
Amortization of bond issue costs		194		127		468		380
Interest credited for deposit products		20,013		17,874		57,098		52,372
Estimated interest factor of rental expense		402		431		1,121		1,314
Total fixed charges	$	40,758	$	33,812	$	109,142	$	100,183
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		4.6		4.1		5.0		5.7
Rental expense	$	1,218	$	1,305	$	3,398	$	3,983
Estimated interest factor of rental expense (33%)	$	402	$	431	$	1,121	$	1,314

* There was no interest capitalized in any period indicated.