#FightBackFebruary Weekend Recap
Advocates turned out in support of Planned Parenthood across Missouri this Saturday!
Columbia: More than 200 supporters came out to stand with Planned Parenthood and defy extremism. Thank you to the Guild of Silly Heathens for their collaboration and to Columbia for spending part of your Saturday with us!
Overland Park: Nearly 500 supporters and patient escorts came to Planned Parenthood Great Plains’ Health Center to show their love for Planned Parenthood and protect our patients from protesters. Many thanks to our dedicated supporters and volunteers who helped manage the crowd and make our patients feel safe! The Pitch covered the event and interviewed Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes President and CEO Laura McQuade.
St. Louis: Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri CEO Mary M. Kogut addressed a crowd of nearly 7,000 St. Louisans on Saturday at a pro-Planned Parenthood event organized by the community. Planned Parenthood supporters rallied, marched, and signed up to volunteer to protect access to reproductive health care.
In addition, nearly 400 people attended a #Gov101 training hosted by Rep. Stacey Newman (D-St. Louis). Advocates of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri President and CEO Mary M. Kogut joined the ACLU of Missouri, PROMO, Moms Demand Action, and another legislative champion, Rep. Gina Mitten (D-St. Louis) to share information about the inner workings of the Missouri Legislature and how advocates can use their voices to advance progressive issues.
- St. Louis Public Radio: Defund Planned Parenthood rally draws thousands of counter-protesters in St. Louis
- The Pitch: Planned Parenthood supporters outnumbered an anti-choice surge today
- The Maneater: Protesters face off at Planned Parenthood rally
#ReproRightsLobbyDay
Have you signed up for one (or more!) of Planned Parenthood’s lobby days yet?
There are four left: Tuesday, February 21; Tuesday, April 11; Tuesday, April 25; and Thursday, May 4. Whether you’re a first-timer or a lobby day veteran, our organizers will make sure you’re confident and prepared to have successful visits with your elected officials.
RSVP for February 21 #ReproRightsLobbyDay:
MoLeg Weekly Wrap-Up
As we move through the second month of the legislative session, we have good news and bad news. While more than 30 anti-sexual and -reproductive health bills have been filed so far, there are also more than 30 pieces of legislation that Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri is supporting.
Senate Bill 28, which would eviscerate Medicaid, an essential source of health care for Missouri women, men, and young people, remains on the Senate calendar and may be brought up for debate at any time. If you haven’t already, tell your state senator to oppose this effort to drastically cut Medicaid funding and services.
- Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri: Protect Medicaid — Stop SB 28!
- Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri: 2017 Bill Summary
- Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri: 2017 Bill Fact Sheets
Take Action & Volunteer with Planned Parenthood!
Every month, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes (PPGPV) hosts volunteer action nights to get supporters engaged, active, and up to date with what’s happening in the community. This Wednesday, PPGPV will host an Advocacy 101 training at the Columbia Health Center. Kansas City’s Volunteer Action Night will be one week later at PPGP’s Midtown Health Center.
While members of Congress are home on break, Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri is hosting three phone banks. It will be a health care disaster if Congress repeals the Affordable Care Act or “defunds” Planned Parenthood by barring Medicaid patients from seeking preventive care. The goal is to make 50 calls each week to U.S. Sens. Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt, urging them to stand up for the ACA and patients’ access to Planned Parenthood.
- Columbia Volunteer Action Night: RSVP for Advocacy 101 Training
- Kansas City Volunteer Action Night: RSVP
- St. Louis and Columbia Phone Banks: RSVP
Discussing Abortion Restrictions on St. Louis on the Air
Last Thursday, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri President and CEO Mary M. Kogut was a guest on St. Louis Public Radio’s St. Louis on the Air. Along with Kadie Tannehill, a local woman who shared her own abortion story, Kogut discussed abortion restrictions and their impact. “We cannot put barriers and restrictions in front of women and families who are making the most healthy and best decision for them,” Kogut said.
- St. Louis Public Radio: Discussing the restrictions placed on abortion in Missouri and their personal impact
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