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Planned Parenthood Responds to Court Allowing Missouri’s Dangerous Gender-Affirming Care Ban to Take Effect

Contact: [email protected]

For Immediate Release: Aug. 25, 2023


ST. LOUIS — In response to a Cole County Circuit Court judge allowing Senate Bill 49, a ban on gender-affirming care for minors and Medicaid recipients in Missouri, to take effect, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri released the following statement:

Statement from Yamelsie Rodríguez, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri:

“We are deeply saddened by the court’s decision to allow Senate Bill 49 to take effect. This law is a shameful mark on our state.

“On Monday, trans and gender-expansive young Missourians will have their rights stripped away — unless a higher court intervenes. They are terrified and furious that Missouri politicians are using ideology and junk science to deny them life-saving health care and erase their existence — and we are right alongside them. Politicians have no business probing around or dictating what care can be provided in our exam rooms.

“We won’t allow attacks on Missourians’ right to bodily autonomy to deter us — we are steadfast in our commitment to providing care to anyone who comes through our doors, no matter what. We will work with patients to get the care they need in Missouri, or, in Illinois, where gender-affirming care is protected under state law.

“No matter what, our doors are open, and we’ll do all we can to provide Missourians with the care they want and need to live a dignified and authentic life.”


About Senate Bill 49

  •  Senate Bill 49 bans gender-affirming surgeries for minors.
  •  Senate Bill 49 prohibits minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormones. This provision will expire after four years, on August 28, 2027. Senate Bill 49 has an exception for current patients and those who began care before August 28. Learn more about accessing gender-affirming care at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri.
  •  Senate Bill 49 bars Missouri Medicaid (also known as MO HealthNet) coverage for gender-affirming care for minors and adults.
  • Senate Bill 49 bars access to gender-affirming surgery for people who are incarcerated.

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Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri has been the leading provider, educator, and protector of reproductive health care in St. Louis and Southwest Missouri for over 90 years. Patients can make appointments online or by phone at 1-800-230-PLAN(7526).

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