COVID-19 Update
After all the attacks on access this past year, Missourians know that abortion is essential, time-sensitive health care. A global health crisis isn’t the time to score political points by denying access to health care. Planned Parenthood and our allies went to court in several states last week to ensure that patients can continue to access essential, time-sensitive abortion services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Parson has failed Missourians with his bungled response to the pandemic in Missouri, yet, unlike other politicians, he has not gone so far at to use the crisis to eliminate abortion. Please remind politicians that abortion access is ESSENTIAL — sign on and show your support.
MoLeg Update: Say NO to discrimination against Planned Parenthood patients
After several weeks away, lawmakers are cautiously returning to the Capitol this week. The Legislature plans to pass two time-sensitive bills and then adjourn again for an unknown amount of time.
While there is much uncertainty surrounding this year’s legislative session, one thing is for sure: The Missouri Constitution requires lawmakers to pass a budget each year. Right now, the draft budget has provisions that discriminate against Missourians who rely on publicly funded health care programs for their birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing. Extremist politicians are trying to block patients from accessing vital preventive health care at any health center that provides or refers for abortion — and Planned Parenthood is their biggest target.
You read that right: In the middle of a global pandemic, politicians are still attacking Planned Parenthood, and they’re doing it on the backs of patients who rely on Missouri’s already underfunded health care safety net.
Blocking patients from accessing health care is unacceptable, and it is even more outrageous to do it while we face one of the most dire public health crises of our time. Our elected officials should be focused on ensuring everyone gets the care they need, not targeting providers and blocking patients’ access to care.
Black Maternal Health Week 2020
None
Planned Parenthood Advocates is proud to participate in the third annual Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) from April 11th-17th. The Black Mamas Matter Alliance founded BMHW to raise awareness, inspire activism, and transform black maternal health policy. The week of action is aligned with National Minority Health Month and the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights. Throughout the month of April we will highlight the importance of organizing for health equity.
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 public health 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 for a full week of virtual learning, activism, and advocacy!
Black Maternal Health Week 2020
- Monday 4/13: Join the Virtual Phone Bank from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- 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
Calling Mid-Missouri Activists & Supporters!
Lexi Brown is the new grassroots organizer in Mid-Missouri, and she has put together a short survey to learn about the community's needs and wants when it comes to reproductive freedom. Can you take a few minutes to share your thoughts?
Recap: Talking with the Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus
On March 26, PPGP Regional Director of Public Policy and Organizing Rachel Sweet was a guest speaker at the Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus meeting, which was held online. It was an excellent opportunity to share the reproductive rights political landscape in Missouri with activists and future candidates.
Tags: