For many years, the Missouri legislature was able to restrict funding to abortion providers with language included in different budget bills.  In 2020, Planned Parenthood challenged that in court, claiming that it was legislating in the budget and that was unconstitutional.  The Missouri Supreme Court agreed and ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood but also stated that if the legislature wanted to restrict funding to abortion providers, they should do it in statute.  Since that time, and even before that court decision, Missouri Right to Life has lobbied for life-saving language to be added in statute.  

This year, we have the best chance of doing that.  SS HCS HB 2634 wording says that no public funds shall be expended to any abortion facility, or affiliate thereof, including for MO HealthNet reimbursement.  The bill originated in the House and is sponsored by budget chairman, Cody Smith.  It passed the House in good form and was sent to the Senate.  The Senate amended it slightly, after strong opposition and a lengthy filibuster by the pro-abortion Democrats.  The amendments did not change the impact of the bill in defunding organizations and agencies that destroy innocent human lives through abortion.  The bill has now gone back to the House to have the amended language approved so it can be sent to the Governor for his signature. 

There is still strong opposition to this bill and as the weeks of the legislative session wind down, we believe this bill must be passed immediately and signed by the Governor.  There is other legislation (The Federal Reimbursement Allowance Reauthorization known as the FRA) that we are opposed to without the pro-life language of HB 2634 being in statute or attached to the FRA.  We are asking our pro-life Missourians to send the attached message to The Speaker of the House, Dean Plocher, House Majority Floor Leader, Jon Patterson, President Pro-Tem of the Senate Caleb Rowden and Senate Majority Floor Leader Cindy O’Laughlin.

Please take action on this as soon as possible.  Innocent pre-born lives are at stake.  And, thank you for being a member of our Pro-life Communication Network and all you do to protect innocent human life!