FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2022
Contact: mtrupiano@mfhc.org | 314-805-5429
JEFFERSON CITY (MO) – In concert with reproductive and sexual health experts, state officials, including Attorney General Schmitt, Governor Parson, and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, have all confirmed: birth control, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and emergency contraception (also known as Plan B or “the morning-after pill”), are legal in the state of Missouri, saying “Before and following the Supreme Court of the United States’ ruling in Dobbs that overturns Roe v. Wade, Missouri law does not ban the use of contraception methods. RSMo 188.017 criminalizes performing an abortion absent a medical emergency, but this does not include pregnancy preventive measures.”
There has been no interruption in family planning services at health centers across the statewide, Missouri Family Health Council network of over 80 sites, which includes county health departments, community action agencies, federally-qualified health centers, and other stand-alone providers. Contraceptive services remain legal and accessible at Title X (ten) and The Right Time health centers across Missouri and clinics can be found here: MFHC.org/patients
Statement from Michelle Trupiano, Executive Director:
“Birth control remains legal and available in Missouri and our network of highly qualified providers across the state stand ready to meet patients’ needs,” said Michelle Trupiano, Executive Director of Missouri Family Health Council, Inc. “Continuing to say otherwise harms patients, providers, and the health safety net. Especially after Dobbs, Title X and The Right Time health centers will continue to play a critical role as a source of safety, trust, and information for their clients. Despite continued shifts in the sexual and reproductive health landscape, including more attacks on contraception expected from the state legislature next year, MFHC will continue to ensure quality, comprehensive healthcare and education for everyone in need of services – just as we have for the past 40 years.”
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Missouri Family Health Council, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that champions access for every individual to culturally sensitive, quality, sexual and reproductive health education and services. Our programming is focused on removing cost barriers, improving access, and supporting health centers through quality training, analysis, and collaboration. Our health advocacy seeks to address systemic barriers that decrease health equity and impede access to reproductive and other safety net services. Our statewide network of over 80 health centers includes county health departments, federally-qualified health centers, community action agencies, hospital-based clinics, and standalone family planning clinics delivering sexual and reproductive health services throughout Missouri. Last year, our network served over 40,000 patients.
