Missouri lawmakers again try to kick Planned Parenthood off Medicaid

By SUMMER BALLENTINE
Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Lawmakers are poised to take another shot at defunding Planned Parenthood in Missouri. The House’s majority leader on Monday said the chamber will send the bill to Republican Gov. Mike Parson’s desk this week. Republicans have tried for years to block Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri. Defunding efforts have been thwarted in the courts. Abortions are not covered by Medicaid, and almost all abortions are illegal in Missouri. But abortion opponents say Planned Parenthood should not receive any public funding because clinics in other states provide abortions. Although Missouri Republicans likely will pass the measure defunding Planned Parenthood, the issue is tied to another Medicaid bill, complicating matters.