MoLeg Update
House advances bill to restrict the use of shackles on pregnant people in prisons and jails. The House voted to add Rep. Jean Evans’ (R-99) HB 1627 as an amendment to HB 2026, which relates to the housing of people in correctional facilities. Major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association, oppose shackling pregnant people because it is dangerous, degrading, and unnecessary. Shackles and chains put people who are pregnant and the fetus at risk, and the United Nations considers the practice “torture.” The House voted to give the bill first-round approval. It awaits a second vote in the House before moving to the Senate.
Senate advances bills to divert tax dollars to faith-based anti-abortion counseling centers without requiring medically accurate counseling. The Senate voted to advance SB 632, a measure that renews and adds an additional $1 million in tax credits for faith-based anti-abortion counseling centers. This bill allows individuals to deduct from their state income taxes donations to these organizations, which provide false and misleading information to women, men and young people about pregnancy and sex. Though many falsely advertise themselves as health care facilities, they are not licensed medical centers. Its companion bill, HB 1288, is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Economic Development Committee on Tuesday, March 13 at noon. Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri remains focused on encouraging lawmakers to require entities to provide medically and factually accurate information to pregnant people in order to be eligible for tax dollars.
- Missourian: Using shackles on incarcerated women in labor addressed in proposed bill
- Reproaction: What Is a Crisis Pregnancy Center? How Do They Push Alternative Facts?
- Bustle: There's A Shocking Number Of Fake Abortion Clinics In The U.S. & Here's How To Take Action Against Them
- Follow us on Twitter for the latest MoLeg happenings: @PPMO_Advocates
Join Us for Lobby Day!
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 28 and join fellow advocates talking with lawmakers in Jefferson City about Missourians’ sexual and reproductive health and rights! We have carpools leaving from Columbia, Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis. Whether you’ve never been to the Capitol or you’ve walked the halls a hundred times, join us and make a difference!
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| RSVP for Kansas City |
| RSVP for Springfield |
| RSVP for St. Louis |
Stand With Planned Parenthood in Your Community
Recap: Neighborhood Canvassing in West St. Louis County
More than a dozen volunteers canvassed West St. Louis County neighborhoods on Saturday, March 10 to hold State Sen. Andrew Koenig (R-15) accountable for consistently attacking Planned Parenthood and access to safe, legal abortion. Volunteers encouraged voters to contact Sen. Koenig and ask him to support measures that will improve maternal and infant health, increase access to comprehensive sex education, and expand access to birth control.
So far, supporters have canvassed a total of 150 doors, had 121 people pledge to contact their senator, and posted 61 yard signs. Join us and canvass this Saturday!
Volunteer Opportunities
Join the fight for access to health care on the state and federal levels! Join Planned Parenthood Advocates’ organizers and volunteers to crowd-canvass, make calls, and enter data. You can participate in the phone banks in person or remotely!
- Columbia Data Entry & Phone Banking: Tuesday, March 13 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Joplin Volunteer Advocates Meeting: Wednesday, March 14 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
- Springfield Phone Banking: Friday, March 16 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
- St. Louis Phone Banking: Friday, March 16 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
- Columbia Planned Parenthood Action Council Kickoff: Thursday, March 29 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Clean Missouri Democracy Reform Campaign
Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri is supporting Clean Missouri, a non-partisan effort to reform our democracy by banning big lobbyist gifts, capping campaign contributions, and improving the way we draw district lines
Join us and help put power back in voters' hands!
Find Events Near You
Check Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s national calendar tofind events in your community!
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