News & Commentary

SB 49 threatens the health and wellbeing of all trans youth in Missouri, as well as all transgender MOHealthNet beneficiaries, young and adult alike. It threatens parental rights and interferes with the careful planning and decision-making undertaking by trans youth, their parents, and their provide

Transgender Missourians are taking a stand against an overbearing state legislature and Governor who would strip patients, parents, and medical providers of their rights and require decisions related to medical treatment that should be based on consent informed by medical professionals be dictated..

“Forcing transgender students to use the bathroom or locker room that matches their sex designated at birth is not only discrimination but dangerous and causes serious harm to Missouri’s youth."

"We are frightened and outraged at Missouri's assault on our rights as parents to seek necessary health care for our children," the families said. "SB 49 is an attempt to interfere in our family relationships and it places the health and well-being of our children at great risk. It must be stopped."

“Fitz-James’s constitutional right of initiative petition is being obstructed, and the deadline for submitting signed petitions draws nearer every day.”

The Attorney General’s attempt to impose his will on the people of Missouri by acting on his emotions and political beliefs rather than following the constitution is more consistent with the tendencies of an authoritarian government than what we would expect to find in a thriving democracy.

Across race, ethnicity, and class, we know when everyone has access to what they need to achieve their potential, we all benefit. We are united by our commitment to opportunity and freedom from discrimination, despite the outnumbered extremists who use division to climb the political ladders.

Hundreds of people shared their stories about living without a federally-protected right to abortion.

“While the court’s decision is welcomed, we know this is only the first stop to give Missourians the opportunity to vote on a proposal that would enshrine access to reproductive health care,” said Tori Schafer, Deputy Director for Policy and Campaigns at the ACLU of Missouri.