As we approach two years since the Dobbs decision ended the federal constitutional right to abortion, I write with a renewed sense of hope – and that is entirely because of you, the community of supporters who have responded, taken action, and fought back. The outcome we feared for so long occurred in June 2022, stripping many Americans of the fundamental right to make private medical decisions. But we have faced this moment together, and we haven’t missed a beat.
In Kansas, we showed the world only months after the fall of Roe that abortion is a winning issue. Reproductive freedom is a winning issue. And bodily autonomy is a winning issue. Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan followed our lead, and now we’re hard at work in Missouri, challenging the Show-Me State to beat the 19-point win of their neighbors in Kansas. We love a healthy competition, and I have every confidence Missourians will hit the pavement this summer and take back their rights.
We made history in Kansas at Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes (PPGPV), and we’re going to do it again in Missouri this year. Then we’ll take the fight to Arkansas and Oklahoma to protect patients’ rights there and partner closely with other states desperate to defeat abortion bans. When care isn’t local, it isn’t truly accessible, and we’re committed to ensuring all people can make decisions that are best for their health, their families, and their futures.
As a Missourian, I understand the unique significance of our region in the fight for reproductive rights. With PPGP health centers serving patients across four states (AR, KS, OK, and MO), we recognize the urgent need for access, especially as the health centers in Kansas work to meet the urgent and overwhelming demand for care.
The history of abortion access in Missouri is complex and disheartening. Many are shocked to learn that Missouri banned nearly all access long before the overturning of Roe. Yet, the powerful coalition we’ve joined, Missourians for Constitutional Freedom (MCF), is prepared to ensure Missourians have meaningful abortion access protected by the state’s constitution.
Today, I ask for your continued support. We have a fight in front of us, and we need your help. Please give what you can to PPGPV or to MCF. Your contribution is not just a donation; it’s a lifeline for individuals in need. It provides critical support not only for patients in Missouri but for those in surrounding states who also deserve access to quality abortion care. It is a testament to our shared commitment to reproductive justice.
With deepest appreciation,
Emily Wales President and CEO
ACTIONS OF TODAY WILL SHAPE THE LANDSCAPE OF PATIENTS’ FUTURES
The strength of the PPGPV community is what allows us to continue fighting for reproductive rights and justice. We joined MCF knowing our supporters are right there with us in this battle to bring Missourians the abortion care they want. Join the fight, share your story, and consider donating brighter future in abortion care.
‘SHOW-ME’ WHERE CARE BELONGS
PATIENTS NEED ABORTION ACCESS IN THEIR HOME STATE
The influx of patients traveling to Kansas for abortion care highlights the harsh realities imposed by abortion bans in Missouri. These restrictive policies drive an increasing number of Missourians to traverse state lines, and navigate a cascade of challenges. Financial burdens from travel costs and missed wages accompany the emotional strain of navigating a hostile legislative landscape and unfamiliar health care system.
Missourians face a health care crisis due to the state’s extreme anti-abortion laws, sharing in the struggle patients from many neighboring states endure. It shouldn’t be this way for anyone, and it doesn’t have to be this way for Missourians.
Enshrining the constitutional right to abortion and ending the ban in Missouri will stop Missouri’s lawmakers from forcing residents out of state to access essential reproductive health care. It will also send a beacon across state lines to those who need care now, and who are determined to restore their reproductive rights and freedom at home.
WHAT IS MCF?
MCF is a coalition that is committed to restoring abortion rights in Missouri. Across the country, pro-abortion measures have consistently prevailed when put to the peoples’ vote. Like Kansas, a successful outcome in Missouri will mean more access points for patients and will build momentum throughout our region.
WE CAN EXPAND ABORTION ACCESS
MISSOURI VOTERS CAN BE THE FIRST TO RESTORE ABORTION RIGHTS IN THEIR STATE CONSTITUTION
Expanding abortion access in Missouri is crucial for resident patients, those without access in their home states, Planned Parenthood Great Plains (PPGP) patients, and providers. Establishing local abortion access will allow more Missourians to avoid risks associated with delayed care, and spare many from the financial and emotional burdens patients face when traveling out of state for care. PPGP can better serve its community by offering comprehensive reproductive health care to patients in a convenient and familiar setting. Providers benefit from practicing in an environment where reproductive rights are upheld, allowing them to fulfill their professional duties without unnecessary restrictions.
Supporting the MCF ballot amendment to end the ban is a winning strategy to secure reproductive rights. Despite roadblocks from the Missouri legislature, rallying behind MCF amplifies the voices of Missourians and champions reproductive freedom for all.
ABORTION IN MO
Even before the Dobbs decision, Missourians have long been forced out-of-state to access care.
2018: Extreme, medically unnecessary regulations (TRAP Laws) close all but one abortion provider in Missouri.
2018-2021: Many Missourians seek care at PPGP’s five abortion-providing health centers in AR, KS, and OK.
2021-2022: The Texas S.B. 8 crisis and Dobbs decision force patients from a growing region to depend on Kansas as a lone access point for abortion.
SINCE THE DOBBS DECISION
PAST CAPACITY: PPGP’s three KS health centers have been stretched past capacity, providing care to 60% more patients seeking abortion care or abortions.
AT A CRISIS POINT: With Kansas’ current capacity, 4/5 of patients who call cannot schedule or reach an available appointment in time to receive care.
EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO CARE: 68% of PPGP’s patients come from within the affiliate, while 32% come from surrounding states.
YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS CRITICAL
Please help PPGPV’s efforts to make abortion care available to patients in their home state by making a gift today.
POWER & PASSION
THOSE PUSHING TO MAKE THIS THE YEAR WE END MISSOURI’S ABORTION BAN
On February 6, Missourians gathered across the state to kick off the MCF petition to restore abortion access. Signature gatherers filled training sessions with enthusiasm for a brighter future and the strength to create a movement. Courageous speakers were greeted with love as they shared their personal abortion stories—energized by those standing on stage in solidarity as well as many who waited in the drive-thru signature line to have their voices heard.
MIKAELA DOHERTY, PPGPV’s patient advocacy & volunteer manager, reflects on her experience in the coalition and the energy felt in Kansas City that night.
“The night of the launch event, I was with volunteers outside directing traffic and helping operate the drive-thru signing so I can only speak for the energy in the parking lot, which was slightly chaotic, but overall it was a lot of fun, and exceptionally inspiring to see the turnout of cars FULL of people filling the lot and lining up down the street!”
WHEN TRAINING SIGNATURE COLLECTORS, WHAT EMOTION IS EVOKED FROM THOSE EAGER TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT?
“People are thrilled. People are angry. Most of all, people are fired up and passionate to make this happen! You can feel the electric buzz of having likeminded, dedicated individuals under one roof, joined together for a cause they whole-heartedly believe in. During the training there is urgency and excitement in the air, and you can tell they are ready to start collecting the instant they leave the room.”
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO AS THIS COALITION CONTINUES?
“Missourians want abortion on the ballot, and the petition is without a doubt gaining the traction, attention, and support it deserves. The organizations and individuals that make up the MCF coalition are extremely dedicated, knowledgeable individuals. They are devoting so much time and energy to this effort, on top of their existing full-time jobs. I am excited for MCF to expand, hire staff, and grow into a movement that meets the demand of the people.”
HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH MCF?
Contact your legislators!
Stay up to date with trainings and events by joining the movement at moconstitutionalfreedom.org.
If you can, join a training to gather signatures from your own network of friends, family, and community to make abortion legal!
