Missouri Legislature Returns to Jefferson City

This week House and Senate members returned to Jefferson City to continue their work on the FY2021 budget bills, as well as other critical legislation.

With consideration of Governor Parson’s recommended changes and their analysis regarding the COVID 19 situation in our state, the House cut some items in the budget and added some expenses expected in the months to come as a result of the health and economic crisis we have and are walking through together.

Pro-Life language remained in budget bill HB 2007 for the Department of Economic Development. This pro-life language is to prevent the public tax dollars directed to the Missouri Technology Corporation from being given to any company that does human cloning, embryonic stem cell research, or does abortion or provides abortion services.

Pro-Life language on budget bill HB 2010, the Department of Health and Senior Services, prevents any public funding for abortion or abortion services in Family Planning services in Section 10.725. And, Part 3, Section 10.1100 of HB 2010, is the protective language for the entire budget monies in HB 2010 from being used for abortion or abortion services.

Pro-Life language on budget bill HB 2011, the Department of Social Services, provides funding for the following pro-life programs as well as protective language to prevent funding for abortion or abortion services:

Alternatives to Abortion program (Section 11.155), includes the following but is not limited to these items: funding available for A2A agencies (PRC’s & Maternity Homes) diapers & infant hygiene, healthy marriage and fatherhood initiative and the awareness advertising program. Total: $8,958,561.00.

The Show-Me Healthy Babies program for pregnant women (Section 11.805). Total: $39,278,104.00.

Part 2, Section 11.920 is protective language to prevent funding through this budget bill to expand Medicaid as outlined by the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Without this protective language public monies could have been used for abortion or abortion services.

Part 3, Section 11.930 is protective language for the entire budget monies in HB 2011 from being used for abortion or abortion services.

The Senate began their committee work on the FY2021 budget bills. We will keep you apprised of these provisions in the budget bills as they move through the legislative process to completion by the May 8 deadline.

Your Missouri Right to Life team is at work! Thank you for your support!

Link: Pro-Life Concerns with Medicaid Expansion

Life Links

Trump Denies COVID-19 Funds to Planned Parenthood

Link - The Trump administration has acted to ensure that no funds from the new Paycheck Protection Program, set up to assist small businesses battered by COVID-19, will go to Planned Parenthood.

International pro-Life leaders praise President Trump for withdrawal from pro-abortion WHO

Link - In a letter from the International Right to Life Federation, international pro-life leaders have commended President Trump for his withdrawal of funding from the pro-abortion, World Health Organization.

Joe Biden Selects Abortion Activists to Lead His Team Vetting Potential Running Mates

Link - Joe Biden has enlisted pro-abortion politicians to help him select a vice presidential running mate for his campaign against President Donald Trump.

National Right to Life and South Carolina Citizens for Life Praise Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Baker v. Planned Parenthood

Link - On Wednesday, 137 members of Congress submitted an amicus curiae brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the petition of Baker v. Planned Parenthood.

Abortion pill reversal hotline receives record number of calls during COVID-19

Link - During March, the Abortion Pill Rescue Network saw a record number of calls for abortion pill reversals.

Justice Clarence Thomas calls Roe v. Wade, gay ‘marriage’ ‘incorrect decisions’ in new opinion

Link - In the same ruling, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, talked about 'erroneous precedents.'

Brazil Supreme Court Rejects Attempt to Legalize Abortions on Disabled Babies

Link - The highest Brazilian court rejected a case this week seeking to legalize abortions on unborn babies who may have disabilities.

Chinese Communist Party ‘the biggest and most serious virus of all’: Exiled human rights activist

Link - 'It is time to recognize the threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to all humanity,' said Chen Guangcheng.

Pro-Life Around the State

The Western Region Golf Tournament has been postponed due to the Coronavirus. No date has been set at this time. Please watch for a new date.

July 11 - Jefferson City - Pregnancy Help Center 5K Walk/Run, 8:30 am in Memorial Park.

September 12 - Jefferson City - Missouri Right to Life Statewide Leadership Meeting. Details coming soon.

MRL Eastern Region has copies of Abby Johnson’s presentation at the 43rd Annual Respect Life Convention, October 13, in St. Louis. They also have copies of the movies Gosnell and Unplanned. If anyone would like to arrange a showing in their chapter or church group, please contact [email protected].