Mothers

Missouri has a maternal mortality rate of 25.2 deaths per 100,000 live births, higher than the national average. Health professionals worry that the state’s near-total abortion ban will make pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period even more dangerous.

Under the legislation, those who receive benefits from Medicaid during pregnancy would be able to keep them for one full-year post birth. But the program can only begin after nearly 5,000 other people are kicked off Medicaid.

Missouri has the 8th highest maternal deaths in the country. A bill filed in the upcoming legislative session would extend postpartum care for low-income women.

Many of the states that are moving to ban abortion — such as Missouri, Texas and Oklahoma — tend to have less access to health care, worse maternal and infant health care outcomes and weaker social supports for children and families.

On this special Kansas City Local Feature, we'll hear music to celebrate Classical KC's second birthday as chosen by Classical KC listeners. Be transported to a musical oasis through these selections.

Missouri has one of the nation's highest maternal mortality rates. And yet, it's not among the many states taking advantage of an offer from the federal government to pay for extended Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers.

Parents in Kansas City are having to get creative in order to deal with a nationwide shortage of baby formula. Although some manufacturers have resumed production, it could be a little while longer until stock is back to normal.

Although Abbott's Michigan plant has resumed production it will still be weeks before formula is back on store shelves.

Over 76% of stores in Kansas City are now out of stock of formula. To keep babies fed, friends and family members are sending cans of formula to others with babies, posting on community boards what they see at the grocery store, and donating excess breast milk.

For the last two years, the real humans of Kansas City have given us strength. They've helped us realize that when the outlook appears grim, daring to imagine a way forward isn't fanciful or naïve.

The bill directs the Missouri Department of Corrections to establish a nursery within a women’s correctional facility by July 2025, and allow incarcerated women to stay with their newborns for their first 18 months.

On this special Kansas City Local Feature, we'll hear music to honor mothers and mother figures chosen by Classical KC listeners. Enjoy some lovely music and stories dedicated to your moms.