Statement on Missouri’s Top Health Official Admitting He Investigated Menstrual Cycles of Missouri Women

ST. LOUIS — During today’s Administrative Hearing Commission hearing to protect the last health center in Missouri that provides abortion, Gov. Mike Parson’s state health director, Randall Williams, admitted he investigated menstrual cycles of Missouri women. Today’s revelation is just the latest evidence that politicians have weaponized the health center’s licensing process with the ultimate goal of ending abortion access in the state of Missouri. 

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, Acting President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“This is the reality when people in power want to strip away our rights and freedoms. They force medically unnecessary pelvic exams, investigate menstrual cycles, and do whatever it takes to take control of our bodies, our lives, and our futures. Enough is enough. Every person deserves access to safe, legal abortion without fearing their personal information will be used to wage political war. This is unacceptable and we demand better — for our patients and any person who needs access to safe, legal abortion.”

Statement from Yamelsie Rodriguez, President and CEO, Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region:

“Today’s revelation is deeply disturbing: Missouri’s top health official, Randall Williams, scrutinized menstrual cycles of women in this state in order to end abortion access. He requested a spreadsheet to track the periods of Planned Parenthood patients. As part of Gov. Parson’s effort to end abortion access in Missouri, Williams manufactured a solution in search of a problem.

“Missouri politicians have gone too far. This is government overreach at its worst. It shadows the Trump administration’s history of tracking the periods of refugee girls under the government’s care. This is outrageous and disgusting. Planned Parenthood will always do what’s best for patients and that will guide any decisions we make about how we continue fighting for abortion access.”

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.