Missouri Monitor: September 2021

This Saturday: #StopTheBans & Rally for Abortion Justice Across Missouri!

Join supporters in communities across our state and our country to fight back against abortion bans and demand reproductive freedom for everyone! Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri is proud to partner with allies to host the events in Cape Girardeau, Joplin, Kansas City, and St. Louis — and we are thrilled that so many advocates have come together to organize actions in Columbia, Farmington, Kirksville and Springfield.

Update: What’s Happening with Missouri HB 126's Abortion Bans?

On September 1, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Texas' six-week abortion ban to take effect, ignoring 50 years of precedent and nearly eliminating Texans' right to access abortion. The Texas law has created a ripple effect, impacting abortion access in the South and Midwest. As Texas patients are now traveling to neighboring states for abortion care, appointments are booking up, displacing patients in those states.

Today it’s Texas. Tomorrow, it could be Missouri. Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region — the last health providing abortion in the state — continues to fight House Bill 126 in court. On September 21, the full Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (one step from the Supreme Court) considered whether to continue to block these abortion bans. We await a decision, which could make Missouri the second state to ban abortion before many people even know they’re pregnant.

Volunteer with Planned Parenthood!

Planned Parenthood’s Community Outreach Teams are getting back in action and have plenty of opportunities to get involved! Never volunteered before? Now’s a great time to start! Haven’t volunteered in a while? We’d love to have you back!

• In the St. Louis area, see upcoming tabling shifts
• In Columbia and Kansas City, fill out this sign-up form
• In Southwest Missouri, email [email protected]

Recap: Missouri MOMnibus Virtual Kickoff

The Missouri Momnibus Kickoff was a big success! Led by Black Organizing Program Lead Teona McGhaw-Bouré, Generate Health STL and Nikia Paulette of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the virtual event brought together nearly 100 people from across the state to discuss how to improve the rising maternal mortality rate for Black women in Missouri. Right now, a Black woman in Missouri is three to four times likelier than a white woman to die from pregnancy-related complications. It doesn’t have to be this way. 

Thank you to the many local, regional and state elected officials who joined us, including Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-St. Louis), who shared her own experience of Black motherhood and how the health care system failed to support her and her children. Congresswoman Bush quoted Dr. King, “The time is always right to do what’s right.” She called on us to “do what’s in your heart to do, you do what is right.” 

“Momnibus” is a play on the term “omnibus,” which is a bill that covers multiple programs and areas. In our U.S. Congress, the Black Maternal Health Caucus is supporting a Black Maternal Health Momnibus bill to improve outcomes and reduce racial disparities in maternal health. We are excited to continue the conversation and develop a Missouri-specific Momnibus that is right-sized for the challenges Black birthing people face in this state. To learn more and join in this effort, click the button below!

Recap: Voting Rights, Democracy, and Black Representation

Black Organizing Program Lead Teona McGhaw-Bouré hosted a powerful virtual event on Saturday, August 28: Voting Rights, Democracy, and Black Representation. Supporters from across the state gathered to hear from the panel of barrier-breaking Black leaders: Yinka Faleti, 2020 Democratic Nominee for MO Secretary of State; Northwoods Mayor Sharon Pace, Maplewood Mayor Nikylan Knapper and St. Louis County Council Chairwoman Rita Days. The speakers explored the racist barriers that suppress Black representation at the polls and in office, their own experiences in political leadership, and the long history of voter suppression as a tool of white supremacy. 

Our conversation coincided with the National “March On for Voting Rights” Rally, which marked the anniversary of Dr. King’s 1963 March on Washington by demanding the passage of federal legislation to protect our freedom to vote. Yinka called on supporters to email and call our U.S. Senators and continue to take action for voting rights. 

Live in North St. Louis County and want to get involved in the Action Council? Email Teona!