Mizzou Interim Chancellor Hank Foley’s Actions Leave Mid-Missouri Women Without Access to Abortion
For Immediate Release: Nov. 30, 2015
COLUMBIA – Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri is dismayed by University of Missouri Interim Chancellor Hank Foley’s decision to support the cancellation of Dr. Colleen McNicholas’ “refer and follow” privileges with MU Health Care. His actions leave thousands of Mid-Missouri women without access to safe, legal abortion.
“Former Chancellor, R. Bowen Loftin, cowered to political pressure and Mr. Foley blithely followed. Interim Chancellor Foley ignored an opportunity to stand on the side of countless women who look to Planned Parenthood for dignified, high-quality and compassionate care,” said Laura McQuade, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri.
Since Missouri Senator Kurt Schaefer politically bullied former Chancellor Loftin into ending privileges in September, supporters have stepped to the front lines delivering more than 4,000 petitions urging Foley to clean up Loftin’s embarrassing mess.
“Mizzou and MU Health Care failed to lead and fulfill their own mission by turning their backs on women who need access to safe, legal abortion. Given the numerous medically unnecessary barriers to abortion services already in place in Missouri, women now face yet another hurdle of driving long distances, sometimes twice in order to comply with the 72-hour waiting period, to access the care they need and deserve. Their legal right to an abortion is meaningless without reasonable access to that care,” McQuade said.
“Take note – Missouri is left with just one abortion provider complicating access, especially for women in rural communities. University leadership and Missouri politicians have waged war on women and we are fighting back in court. Today, a judge issued a temporary restraining order maintaining our license for two more days. We remain confident the legal process will protect women’s access to safe, legal abortion in Missouri.”
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Planned Parenthood is a vital resource for our community and for women and families throughout Kansas and Missouri. We are a trusted advocate and source of health care and education for thousands of women, men, and children. For 80 years, women have relied on Planned Parenthood to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy.
Source
Planned Parenthood Great Plains
Contact
Bonyen Lee-Gilmore, 816.585.3732
Sheila Kostas, 913.345.4635
Published
November 30, 2015