COVID-19 Update from Missouri's Planned Parenthood Affiliates: Telehealth Now Available
Both Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri have launched telehealth programs that expand the ways patients can access high-quality, affordable health care.
Through telehealth, patients can access services with fewer visits or without needing to visit a health center at all. Planned Parenthood staff are available to answer patients’ questions, help them manage prescriptions, and help address their sexual and reproductive health care needs remotely.
As area hospitals and public health departments work tirelessly to care for the growing number of COVID-19 patients, Planned Parenthood is in partnership with state and local providers to treat patients who need vital sexual and reproductive health care.
Planned Parenthood is proud to be part of an essential health care network, and both Missouri affiliates are committed to caring for patients while reducing exposure to COVID-19.
You can check out telehealth options and make an appointment by calling 1-800-230-PLAN or searching for the health center nearest you!
Black Maternal Health Week 2020
The third annual Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) began on Saturday and runs through this Friday. The Black Mamas Matter Alliance founded BMHW to raise awareness, inspire activism, and transform black maternal health policy.
In Missouri, we know that Black women are three times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. The current pandemic caused by COVID-19 intensifies the risk of complications during pregnancy for Black mothers. This is why we must amplify the voices of Black moms and organize for improved Black maternal outcomes. Please join us this week for virtual learning, activism, and advocacy!
Black Maternal Health Week 2020
- Tues 4/14-Thursday 4/16: Check out Black Mamas Matter Alliance's BMHW20 webinar series that highlights ways to shift Black maternal policy, care, and practices
- Friday 4/17: Storytelling & Letter Writing Webinar 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
MoLeg Update
After meeting briefly last week to pass a supplemental budget bill that permits the state to spend federal dollars allocated in the CARES Act, lawmakers returned to their home districts. Today, legislative leaders announced that both the House and the Senate want to return to the Capitol on Monday, April 27. It is unclear if social distancing rules and public health best practices will allow the legislature to truly function at that time. The only constitutional obligation for the Legislature is to pass a budget for the state’s next fiscal year, which starts in July. Governor Parson may call a special session any time before July to allow lawmakers time to work on the budget or address particular issues.
As always, Planned Parenthood Advocates will keep you informed and provide ways to take action on any measures that impact Missourians’ reproductive freedom.
Protect Our Democracy
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Missouri has some of the most outdated election laws in the country — laws that are currently preventing us from meeting the challenge of the COVID-19 crisis. We need Governor Mike Parson, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, and our lawmakers to act now and adopt a plan to ensure that our elections will be safe, accessible, and secure.
Take action now and demand Secretary Ashcroft protect voting rights!
Abortion License Decision Imminent: Sign Up to Get The Alert
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Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region (RHS) is Missouri's only health center licensed to provide abortion — and it has been under relentless political attack.
Last year, just days after he signed an extreme abortion ban — which has been blocked by a federal court — Gov. Mike Parson weaponized the state health department to block RHS' license to provide abortion. Missourians across the state were outraged, and RHS sued to protect its license.
After a lengthy legal battle, we are expecting a ruling any day. When the ruling comes, we want supporters to know as soon as possible — that's why we're planning ahead. Sign up to get an update as soon as we have the decision.
SEMO Virtual Phone Bank: COVID-19 Community Check-In
During this unprecedented time, we are continuing our virtual phone bank to check in with supporters and see how they’re doing. This phone bank will be ongoing through the month of April, and volunteers may join in from home at any time! Questions? Email Southeast Missouri Grassroots Organizer Aaron Lerma at [email protected].
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