Missouri House passes bill blocking Medicaid funding to abortion providers

The Missouri House has passed legislation that would block state Medicaid funding to abortion providers and their affiliates. 

The bill does not mention any specific providers but is believed to target Planned Parenthood, which has operated abortion clinics in St. Louis and Columbia in recent years. 

Nearly all abortions were outlawed in Missouri nearly two years ago, the only exception being when a pregnancy threatens the life of the mother. 

State lawmakers have twice blocked Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood but both times they were struck down by the Missouri Supreme Court. 

The bill is sponsored by Republican State Representative Cody Smith, who’s also running for State Treasurer. 

The proposal next goes to the Missouri Senate, which is considering an identical bill.