06/03/19 - Missouri Mondays - Are you mad enough? Help fight state control of women’s bodies!
Are you ready to fight? Not only have Missouri Republicans passed an unconstitutional ban on abortion with no exceptions for victims of rape, incest, or human trafficking, but the state is also attempting to close the last remaining facility in the state where a woman can get a safe abortion.
On Friday, St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Michael Stelzer granted a temporary restraining order to allow the St. Louis Planned Parenthood facility to remain open. In his ruling, Judge Stelzer wrote, “Petitioner has demonstrated that immediate and irreparable injury will result if petitioner’s license is allowed to expire.” But his order is temporary, and a hearing is scheduled for this week.
At issue is the state’s demand to interview seven physicians who have worked at the facility. Only two of the physicians are employed by Planned Parenthood. The other five are under contract and cannot legally be compelled to speak. Other state demands include two medically unnecessary pelvic exams and insistence that the physician participating in the procedure also be the person who counsels the patient for informed consent. Planned Parenthood has complied with these two unnecessary and, in the case of vaginal exams, invasive, demands.
Are you ready to fight? Take action now with ACLU of Missouri. ACLU has until August 28 to collect 100,000 signatures to put a referendum on the ballot to let the people decide in an up or down vote. Please submit a comment demanding this issue be placed on the ballot. You can read talking points and submit your comment HERE. If you would like to help the ACLU team collect petition signatures to fight for safe, legal abortion sign up HERE.
If you are near the St. Louis area, consider attending Progress Women’s “Vagina Brunch” on June 29. Progress Women fights for women’s civil rights, equality, and justice. From their event invitation--“Help us fight back and continue our "badass" in-your-face-Gov-Parson actions while reaching more women & allies across the state.” Tickets and more information can be accessed HERE.
We also want to tell you about a very special and exciting event in the Kansas City area on June 12 at 5:00 p.m. at Unity Temple on the Plaza. The Missouri-Kansas Women’s Leadership Forum Grassroots Gathering with DNC Chair Tom Perez and additional guest to be announced! RSVP today at https://finance.democrats.org/page/contribute/rsvp-Perez-Kansas-City-wlf-grassroots-gathering-20190612
THANK YOU! for answering the Missouri Mondays CALL TO ACTION!
