Missouri Abortion Fund’s response to the scotus ruling

St. Louis, MO—  Missouri Abortion Fund is saddened & outraged that the Supreme Court has decided to endanger pregnant lives with their decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Reproductive Justice advocates have known the day would come when fundamental abortion rights would be left up to the states. Missourians will now be subject to a state law, passed in 2019, that bans nearly all abortions in the state (commonly referred to as a "trigger law"). 

The Supreme Court’s decision is a direct assault on healthcare, wellbeing, and the future of our community. There are financial and emotional consequences to delaying or being denied abortion care, and we are devasted to know more Missourians will experience those consequences. Missourians have already had to endure years of state level abortion restrictions, including waiting periods, traveling long distances, and for some, deciding between their basic needs and affording abortion care. Legal has never equated to accessible, specifically for those who are already marginalized; including Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, disabled, and poor pregnant people. 

Missouri Abortion Fund has provided more than $670,000 to pay for abortion care since 2016. The average cost of care for patients we served in 2021 was $671, which does not include the cost of travel, childcare, or lodging. The cost goes up the longer care is delayed and insurance cannot be utilized. Those with means will continue to have more access to abortion and the increased ability to travel for their abortion care. 

Well before this decision, Missourians experienced disproportionate outcomes with pregnancy. Black women living in Missouri are four times more likely to die within one year of pregnancy than white women. Missourians on Medicaid are four times more likely to die within one year of pregnancy than those with private insurance. This decision will only exacerbate those outcomes. Abortion bans are racist, classist and destroy agency and opportunity for those who can become pregnant. 

We firmly believe that abortion care should be available and accessible for everyone, no matter their identity, circumstances or location. We stand with Missourians, and we aren't going anywhere. 

For press, contact: media@mofund.org

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