Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates are facing an uphill battle as a new law aims to terminate their Medicaid funding, impacting patients on limited incomes. Planned Parenthood Great Rivers and Great Plains is suing the state to block the law. This marks the third attempt by Republican lawmakers to block Medicaid reimbursements going to Planned Parenthood. Despite abortion services being banned in Missouri, Gov. Mike Parson signed the legislation into law, blocking Medicaid funds from going to health centers affiliated with abortion providers. Planned Parenthood has filed a petition to appeal the decision, with 20% of their patients currently on Medicaid. Planned Parenthood argues that states cannot discriminate against providers based on services they dislike under federal Medicaid law. However, Republican State Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman believes Planned Parenthood has a history of breaking the law and putting profits over healthcare. The case is expected to take about two years to be resolved, potentially reaching the Missouri Supreme Court. Planned Parenthood remains committed to providing quality care, regardless of Medicaid funding, with support from donors. The Missouri Department of Social Services, responsible for the state’s Medicaid program, has chosen not to comment on the pending litigation.
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