Planned Parenthood Sues Missouri Over Medicaid Funding

Planned Parenthood affiliates in Missouri have filed legal challenges against a new law that bans Medicaid reimbursements for their services, effective Wednesday. The law, signed by Governor Mike Parson, aims to cut off state funding to Planned Parenthood, which provides essential health care services like cancer screenings and STI testing, arguing that such funding indirectly supports abortion services in other states. Planned Parenthood argues this move will harm low-income residents who rely on their services, especially in light of Missouri's already strained health care system. They assert that the law violates federal Medicaid regulations that protect patients' rights to choose their health care providers. This legal action follows previous unsuccessful attempts by Missouri lawmakers to defund Planned Parenthood, which has been a contentious issue since nearly all abortions were banned in the state in 2022. A constitutional amendment regarding abortion rights will be voted on in Missouri on November 5, 2024.