Missouri Monitor: February 22, 2021

Take Action to Improve Maternal Health in Missouri

Missouri ranks 7th highest in maternal mortality, and Black birthing people are disproportionately impacted. A Black woman in Missouri is three to four times likelier than a white woman to die from pregnancy-related causes. Rep. LaKeySha Bosley's (D-St. Louis) HB 965 will help address this problem. 

House Bill 965 would allow women receiving health insurance through the Show-Me Healthy Babies program — a program targeted at people with low incomes — to keep their coverage for a full year after giving birth. To move the bill forward, the Speaker of the House has to assign it to a committee — and we want to make sure it is assigned to the best committee. Please take 5 minutes to do two things that will help this bill!

1. Call Speaker of the House Rob Vescovo at (573) 751-3607 and ask him to refer HB 965 to the Health and Mental Health Policy Committee. Here is a sample script:

Hello, my name is _________. I’m calling because maternal health is very important to me. Currently, Missouri ranks 7th highest in maternal mortality. The state’s own review board for pregnancy-associated mortality found that 80% of pregnancy-associated deaths were preventable. It is important that all women retain health care coverage for 12 months postpartum to keep them safe and healthy. Please refer HB 965 to the Health and Mental Health Policy Committee.

1. Call Health and Mental Health Policy Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Stephens at (573) 751-1347 and ask him to urge House Speaker Rob Vescovo to refer House Bill 965 to his committee. Here is a sample script:

Hello, my name is _________. I’m calling because maternal health is very important to me. Currently, Missouri ranks 7th highest in maternal mortality. The state’s own review board for pregnancy-associated mortality found that 80% of pregnancy-associated deaths were preventable. It is important that all women retain health care coverage for 12 months postpartum to keep them safe and healthy. Please ask the Speaker of the House to refer HB 965 to the Health and Mental Health Policy Committee.

Thank you for helping to advocate for policies that will help improve Black maternal and infant health in our region and across the state!

SEMO Supporter Phone Bank: HIV Modernization

Advocates in Southeast Missouri will host their next supporter phone bank this Thursday, February 25th at 1 p.m. Volunteers will continue engaging supporters across SEMO in conversation about current bills that would modernize Missouri's HIV laws and improve access expand access to sexual and reproductive health in our communities.

To learn more about the effort to modernize Missouri’s HIV laws, check out the Missouri HIV Justice Coalition!

The phone bank will take place over Zoom, and you'll need a computer with internet access to participate.

Recap: Black Love Day Event

On Thursday, February 11th, Harris-Stowe State University's Planned Parenthood Generation Action chapter partnered with the Black Student Alliance in the College of Health Sciences and Pharmacy for a virtual event in honor of Black History Month and Black Love Day. 

During the virtual event the participants painted while discussing dating and relationships in the Black community. Some highlights include dating norms in college and safer sex practices in intimate relationships. There were 18 participants representing several different campuses in the St. Louis region.

Recap: Cupid's Safer Sex Basket Drop-Off

In honor of National Condom Week (Feb. 14-20) Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri’s Community Engagement team partnered with local small businesses to distribute safer sex kits to patrons on Valentine’s Day weekend. Each kit has condoms, lube, and a card listing health care services available at PPSLRSWMO health centers.

Condoms are the only birth control method that also protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Thanks to the local businesses for collaborating with us to promote safer, sexier, healthier lives!

Missouri Lawmakers are Still Governing in the Dark

Let's check in:

• Still in a pandemic.
• Still no mask requirement in the Missouri State Capitol.
• Still no way for everyday Missourians to testify from home.

Just weeks ago, lawmakers let President Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani testify over Zoom, but they refuse to give Missourians this option. Missourians should not have to choose between risking our health and participating in our democracy! 

Add your name to the ACLU of Missouri’s petition demanding our lawmakers set up basic virtual tools so everyday Missourians can participate in hearings and give live testimony on the 1700+ bills moving through the legislative process. 

If you've already signed the petition, spread the word on social media by posting on Facebook and sharing on Twitter!

Sen. Hawley Must Resign

Senator Hawley has lied to his constituents, undermined our democracy, and violated his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution.

He must resign so we can move forward together. 

Add your name and demand Sen. Hawley resign immediately.