ST. LOUIS — Planned Parenthood Great Rivers is laying off 10 ӣƵ-area employees.
The organization said Friday the move prioritizes the needs of patients and the sustainability of its six health centers, years after Missouri politicians and regulators removed Planned Parenthood from the state’s Medicaid program, and as the Trump administration works to keep federal funding from abortion providers.
“The negligent policies passed by anti-abortion politicians are forcing health care providers to make difficult decisions just to keep their doors open and ensure patients don’t go without essential health care,” Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said in a statement.
Planned Parenthood said it hasn’t received Medicaid reimbursement from Missouri for years but has continued to see Medicaid patients, absorbing the cost.
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Now, said Krissy Durant, spokesperson for the Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, the group has to make a strategic decision to cut its workforce.
In addition to Missouri’s ban on Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, the “Big Beautiful Bill” recently approved by Congress enacts a federal ban on Medicaid dollars going to abortion providers.
A the federal ban, but it could ultimately affect Medicaid patients in Illinois — and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers has a clinic in Fairview Heights.
The lack of funding from Missouri has had a “long-term effect” on the organization, Durant said.
Absorbing the costs is not a long-term solution, she said. The cuts announced Friday are in addition to moves to consolidate some services last year and expand telehealth, both of which save costs, Durant said.
Planned Parenthood Great Rivers said its current staff size is 153, with over half working directly in health centers.
Only Planned Parenthood Great Rivers’ clinics in ӣƵ’ Central West End and Fairview Heights currently offer abortions. The group also operates clinics in St. Peters, Manchester, Rolla, and Springfield, Missouri.
Federal law already bars Medicaid dollars for abortion except in certain cases, such as in medical emergencies, and rape and incest cases.
Planned Parenthood offers cancer screenings, birth control, wellness exams and more in addition to abortion.
Republicans argue that despite the federal limits, the taxpayer support still indirectly supports abortion.
Opponents of the cuts have argued Planned Parenthood performs a vital role, giving low-income patients access to important health care services.
Planned Parenthood said Friday it would continue seeing Medicaid patients, despite the cuts.
“We are going to do as much as we can for as many people as possible for as long as we can,” Durant said.
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