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,
	2008	2007	2008	2007
Earnings:
Pre-tax earnings	$105,631	$201,584	$468,667	$597,916
Fixed charges	33,812	34,914	100,183	102,398
Earnings before fixed charges	$139,443	$236,498	$568,850	$700,314
Fixed charges:
Interest expense*	15,380	17,459	46,117	51,022
Amortization of bond issue costs	127	120	380	355
Interest credited for deposit products	17,874	16,816	52,372	49,615
Estimated interest factor of rental expense	431	519	1,314	1,406
Total fixed charges	$33,812	$34,914	$100,183	$102,398
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges	4.1	6.8	5.7	6.8
Rental expense	$1,305	$1,572	$3,983	$4,260
Estimated interest factor of rental expense (33%)	$431	$519	$1,314	$1,406

* There was no interest capitalized in any period indicated.