Republican lawmakers again try to block Missourians’ access to health care

Statement from M’Evie Mead, director, Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri:

After their failed attacks on patients’ access to birth control and Planned Parenthood this summer, Republican lawmakers are once again trying to block Missourians’ access to health care. The latest proposal is a desperate attempt to “defund” Planned Parenthood — which means denying patients who rely on Medicaid the right to get their birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing/treatment at Planned Parenthood health centers.

The reality is clear: Missouri’s health care safety net is already at capacity. More than 800,000 Missourians with low incomes rely on Medicaid to access care. Blocking patients from getting care at Planned Parenthood will mean longer wait times, less access, and fewer Missourians getting the health care they need.

This “defund” attempt could also risk Missouri’s entire Medicaid program. The Biden-Harris Administration has been clear: Barring Medicaid patients from choosing Planned Parenthood for their health care violates the free choice of provider Medicaid law.

###