Monday Monitor: February 18, 2019
By Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri | Feb. 18, 2019, 5 p.m.
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Planned Parenthood Great Plains Columbia health center reopens after suspicious fire
Planned Parenthood Great Plains Columbia health center was closed temporarily following a fire that took place early in the morning of Sunday, Feb. 10, which the FBI is now investigating as a federal civil rights violation under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
In a statement, Planned Parenthood Great Plains President and CEO Dr. Brandon J. Hill said, “We remain focused on the health and safety of our patients... Make no mistake — we are committed to providing care in the Columbia community, and this crime will not deter us from our mission.”
With repairs completed, the health center is reopening this week. Here are two ways you can support the Columbia health center and #StandWithPP:
- Write a note of support to staff: http://bit.ly/IHeartColumbia
- Make a donation: http://bit.ly/ColumbiaPPGPDonate
MoLeg Update: Abortion Bans
Last week, the House Committee on Children and Families heard three bills that would ban abortion. House Bills 339 and 680 would ban abortion after 22 weeks, while House Bill 126 would ban abortion as soon as six weeks — which is before many people even know they are pregnant.
Patient advocates and medical experts traveled to Jefferson City to testify against these bills. We especially thank Jeni Box for sharing her experience of ending a very wanted pregnancy when she and her husband learned their daughter Libby had a condition incompatible with life. Jeni shared her disbelief at these bills, “It’s strange to me that lawmakers I’ve never met would have more say over my daughter’s medical care than her mother & father.”
These three bills are the latest example of legislators interfering in the doctor-patient relationship and substituting their policy preferences for medical expertise. The decision to end a pregnancy is deeply personal and can be complex. A pregnant person makes that decision in consultation with their family, their doctor, and their faith — not politicians.
If you’re tired of legislators obsessing about abortion while ignoring efforts to improve Missourians’ health, plan to join us for a lobby day on March 26 or May 8.
- KOMU 8 Columbia: Emotions high as House committee hears heartbeat abortion bill
MSU Valentine’s Day Action
On Valentine’s Day, students in the Missouri State University PP Generation Action chapter handed out more than 200 handmade valentines encouraging students to love and protect their bodies!
PPSLRSWMO is Hiring!
Come work with us! The Public Policy Team at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri is hiring three regional Grassroots Organizers: one each in St. Louis, Southeast Missouri, and Southwest Illinois.
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