Update from Missouri's Planned Parenthood Affiliates
Both Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri are now offering virtual appointments. PPGP and PPSLRSWMO are continuing to put patient and staff safety first by limiting the need for in-person visits. You can schedule your telehealth appointment now!
PPGP and PPSLRSWMO have also launched the Planned Parenthood Direct app! PP Direct lets you use your phone to get birth control for a flat fee that's less than most copays, and works even if you are uninsured. Check it out today!
MoLeg Update: Protect Planned Parenthood Patients!
Act Now
Lawmakers returned to the Capitol today with three weeks remaining in the 2020 session. While there are many bills still on the table, the FY21 budget is the only must-pass measure — the State Constitution requires the budget be passed by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8.
While we are in the middle of a global pandemic, our lawmakers should be focused on making sure every Missourian can access the health care they need. Instead, they’re trying to block patients who rely on public health programs from accessing health care — and Planned Parenthood is their biggest target.
Blocking patients from accessing health care is unacceptable, and it is even more outrageous during one of the most dire public health crises of our time. Our elected officials should be strengthening Missouri's health care safety net, not targeting providers and blocking patients' access to care.
MoLeg Update: Defend Fair Maps & Stop Extreme Gerrymandering
Before coronavirus, Republican politicians were barreling ahead with their efforts to overturn Amendment 1 (Clean Missouri), remove protections for fair maps and pass a gerrymandering scheme.
The Legislature has reconvened — during the pandemic — supposedly to pass the budget. It is outrageous to think that these politicians may take advantage when we are distracted by this crisis to force through a measure that overturns the will of the people and eliminates key reforms.
The extreme gerrymandering schemes have always been a bad idea, but they’re even more ridiculous now. We are in the middle of a global pandemic, and our lawmakers should be focused on supporting Missourians through this crisis. Rigging maps to protect politicians belongs nowhere on the list of priorities.
Tomorrow: Mrs. America Virtual Watch Party
Social distancing is a challenge for many of us, and it's important to still stay connected! Let's come together — remotely — to watch and discuss Mrs. America, the story of the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and the opposition led by a conservative woman named Phyllis Schlafly.
Sign up to join Planned Parenthood for a virtual watch party tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. All you need is a computer or smartphone! Sign up by 5:00 p.m. and we’ll share instructions on downloading Kast (a co-watching platform) with a link to the party prior to the event!
Recap: Southeast Missouri Action Team Meeting
The SEMO Action Team is a growing group of volunteers who meet regularly to support Planned Parenthood and reproductive freedom. They took their April monthly meeting virtual, and focused on self-care as a tool for liberation during COVID-19 physical distancing. They also watched an inspiring TEDx talk by activist, writer, and social commentator Malebo Sephodi. Finally, PPMO’s own M’Evie Mead shared an update on the Missouri Legislature and joined in a discussion about activism and organizing in Southeast Missouri.
Join the next Southeast Missouri Action Team meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11!
Weekly Volunteer Opportunity: Virtual Phone Banking
Each week, volunteers can join a virtual phone bank and make calls from home. Topics rotate, but you’ll always be making calls to support Planned Parenthood and reproductive freedom!
St. Louis Grassroots Organizer Willie Peete leads this event each week. RSVP here to phone bank this Friday afternoon, or email [email protected] with questions.
Medicaid Expansion: Now, More Than Ever
COVID-19 has brought many issues to the forefront — none more important than health care access. Hundreds of thousands of Missourians currently lack access to affordable health care, stuck in the “Medicaid gap” making too much money to qualify for Medicaid health coverage, but not enough to afford health coverage on the private market. Now, more than ever, it is essential that we pass Medicaid expansion.
After years of Jefferson City politicians refusing to act, a broad coalition of organizations, including Planned Parenthood Advocates, joined together to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot and let Missourians decide. Last week, supporters across the state gathered on Zoom to celebrate a major campaign milestone: We have gathered 100,000+ signatures, more than enough to qualify Medicaid expansion to be a ballot measure this fall! Planned Parenthood Advocates is so proud of the work our supporters, staff, and allies have done to make this happen!
As we get closer to the election, there will be more opportunities to support this campaign. But today, we thank each and every Planned Parenthood supporter who signed a Medicaid expansion petition!
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