JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In a significant development for Pro-Life efforts in the Show-Me State, the Missouri General Assembly this week passed legislation aimed at preventing abortion clinics from receiving Medicaid reimbursements.
HB 2634, sponsored by State Representative Cody Smith, would make it illegal for public funds, including Medicaid reimbursements, to support abortion facilities or their affiliates, while granting taxpayers and the Attorney General the right to take legal action to enforce these provisions.
“House Bill 2634 simply codifies in our statutes that we will not allow abortion providers or their affiliates to be reimbursed through our state’s Medicaid program,” Smith, R-Carthage, said. “I’m proud to champion legislation that ensures our taxpayer dollars do not support abortion facilities. This vote is a vote for life.”
The bill also amends an existing statute, requiring MO HealthNet participants to obtain services only from qualified providers and empowering the Department of Social Services to revoke contracts with providers found unqualified due to specific offenses. Additionally, the bill prohibits reimbursement to abortion facilities under the “Uninsured Women’s Health Program”.
“Today is a significant victory for Pro-Life efforts in Missouri. With the passage of this bill, we are saying that taxpayer dollars will not be used to pay for abortion. Medicaid funds will remain dedicated to senior citizens, disabled persons and those in financial need pursuant to Missouri law.” House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “We in the Missouri legislature stand for the most vulnerable members of our society, for those who have no voice. Today, the unborn have a voice.”
Rep. Cody Smith, a Republican, represents part of Jasper County (District 163) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2016 and re-elected in 2018. For more information, please contact Rep. Smith’s office at 573-751-5458 or via email at Cody.Smith@House.Mo.Gov.