Planned Parenthood

Coleman introduced a bill last year, modeled on the wildly controversial Texas law, allowing citizens to sue anyone who seeks out, provides, or helps someone get an abortion. The bill essential bans abortion as soon as cardiac activity is detected, as early as six weeks.

More than half a dozen bills have been filed so far that aim to strip abortion providers or their affiliates of participation in the state’s Medicaid program or from receiving public benefits more broadly.

The bill from state Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, would ban abortions as early as six weeks. Modeled on a Texas law, it also would allow private citizens to sue doctors or others who aid abortion seekers if they disobey the law.

New rules require state inspectors to report violations directly to Medicaid auditors, which could jeopardize funding.

Abortion-rights advocates say the rules are an attempt by state lawmakers to curb access to Planned Parenthood, the state’s only abortion provider.

The proposals come after attempts from some senators during a special session to deny Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood failed.

The Down syndrome provision is part of a Missouri law enacted in 2019 that prohibits abortions at eight, 14, 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. It has yet to take effect, after being blocked by courts.

Missouri Republicans say they plan to introduce more restrictive abortion legislation modeled on a Texas law that took effect this week. Abortion rights activists are gearing up for a tough battle in the Republican-controlled legislature.

A June ruling from a three-judge panel blocked enforcement of Missouri's 2019 law making abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy a crime.

The Federal Reimbursement Allowance Tax on health care providers will continue funding the state’s portion of Medicaid. The House also passed a bill Wednesday defunding Planned Parenthood, but its future is unclear.

The tax crucial to Medicaid’s funding heads to the House after hours of behind-closed-doors discussion

After a standoff with fellow Republicans, Governor Parson finally called for the special session to resolve issues over extending the federal reimbursement allowances.