Denying essential healthcare: Missouri’s Republican controlled Legislature blocks Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood 

About 200 abortion rights demonstrators gathered outside the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, for a rally on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021. Speakers warned that Missouri will likely pursue a restrictive abortion law similar to Texas. (Jim Salter/AP) Missouri lawmakers passed a bill on Wednesday that prevents any state funds from being allocated to any abortion providers–even those with basic healthcare services–and the bill currently awaits at the desk of Republican Gov. Mike Parson to be signed.& This means the legislation forbids the distribution of public funds, such as Medicaid payments, to abortion clinics or any affiliated organizations, such as Planned Parenthood. This has raised concerns that will negatively impact individuals who rely on the organization for various healthcare services. Other states – such as Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas–have also blocked Medicaid funding for the organization. Planned Parenthood in St. Louis. Lawmakers in Missouri defund Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood. (Jeff Roberson/AP) What does this bill mean for Missourians?& With a vote of 106-48, the House passed the bill that seeks to stop Missouri’s Medicaid program from reimbursing Planned Parenthood for health services such as pap smears, cancer screenings and testing, birth control, and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) for...