KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the Missouri legislature closes in on passage of one of the nation's most restrictive abortion laws, some groups are raising the alarm for women's reproductive rights.
"This is an extreme and unconstitutional attack on women’s rights to access basic healthcare," said Rachel Sweet, director of public policy and organizing for Planned Parenthood Great Plains.
The group sees Missouri's proposed abortion bill, which passed the state Senate on Thursday and is expected to be debated in the House of Representatives on Friday, as a political stunt.
"Laws like this put women’s lives in danger and they put women in precarious and desperate situations, so that’s a risk the legislature should not be taking in order to make a political point," Sweet said.
Planned Parenthood has organized phone banks and rallies in Jefferson City ahead of the vote.
"We really see that the states are in a politically motivated race to see who can would be the first to bring a case that brings a challenge to Roe v. Wade, and we see this as being about politics and not for what’s best for women in this state," Sweet said.
Jason Grill, a former state representative turned public affairs consultant, told 41 Action News he expects the House Bill No. 126 to pass along party lines.
"Obviously, here we’re in more of a progressive area in Kansas City, and a lot of constituents will be upset and I’m sure they fought against this bill," Grill said.
Those chiming in in opposition include both Kansas City, Missouri, mayoral candidates.
Council member Jolie Justus said the KCMO mayor may not set policy, but "she certainly has a platform from which to speak when she sees injustice and disrespect."
That's how she views the bill's treatment of women.
"Rather than address real issues like income inequality, access to affordable health care, crumbling highways and school funding, legislators in Jefferson City are inserting themselves into a conversation between women and their doctors," Justus said. "This legislation does nothing to create a culture of life. Instead it treats women as less-than-equal."
If elected, she promises to use the mayoral "platform every day to fight for the issues that actually improve the lives of women and children," Justus said.
As woman and a leader, I’ve had a lot of questions today about the anti-woman legislation passed by our Missouri Senate this morning. I’ve been fighting for women & children my entire career. This legislation only causes harm. Here’s my statement: pic.twitter.com/7GxWioekki
— Jolie Justus (@joliejustus) May 16, 2019
Her opponent in the June 18 election, Quinton Lucas, also released a statement:
“I am disappointed the State Senate followed the lead of Alabama by passing a bill that’s unconstitutional, unwise, and unfair to Missouri women. The bill’s absence of exceptions for rape and incest is malicious. We have a lot of challenges in Missouri — from crime to infrastructure; job creation to education. The Senate’s action yesterday addressed none of them. I commend Senators Lauren Arthur, Kiki Curls, and others for taking a stand for Missouri women. I’d hope that all organizations that work each day to sell Missouri for business, travel, and cultural opportunities encourage the General Assembly to reject this bill and to not align our state with Alabama.”
Planned Parenthood plans to pursue legal action if it passes the house and is signed by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.
"It’s important to be compassionate and to know that there are people in your lives who are either impacted by the rhetoric brought on by these kind of bills or will be directly impacted if they need to end a pregnancy for any reason," Sweet said.
