Columbia community speaks out in response recent Planned Parenthood decisions
- Rachel Radecki
- Dec 9, 2015
- 2 min read
The Columbia community has voiced many differing opinions in light of recent Planned Parenthood controversies since the halting of abortion services at the local clinic.
MU Health Care officially ended its “refer and follow” privileges for a University Hospital doctor to perform abortions at the local Planned Parenthood clinic. With that decision, the Columbia Planned Parenthood will no longer be allowed to offer abortion services. As a result, both pro-life and pro-choice supporters took the stage in Columbia to voice their opinions.
On Monday, Nov. 30, the Mizzou for Planned Parenthood student organization hosted a vigil to stand with Planned Parenthood. Over 250 supporters gathered in MU Speakers Circle starting at 4 p.m. and then walked over to Jesse Hall for the vigil. The goal of this vigil was persuade Foley to reverse Loftin’s decision to cut ties between the school and the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic.
At the same time, Mizzou Students for Life also held a gathering in Speakers Circle in opposition to the rally happening in support of Planned Parenthood. Other student groups, including Mizzou College Republicans, also demonstrated in opposition toward the Planned Parenthood supporters. Pro-life supporters peacefully sat on the edges of the circle holding posters with life-affirming words and messages.
In addition to the gathering in Speaker’s Circle, Mizzou Students for Life worked in other ways to get their beliefs and ideas across to the MU administration.
“We are glad that the split happened, but we cannot necessarily take credit for encouraging them. We did send letters to the Chancellor’s office thanking him following the decision, however,” Mizzou Students for Life President Kristen Wood said.
Other Columbia groups reached out to the MU administration as well. 40 Days for Life is an organization dedicated to educating the community about the consequences of abortion through prayer, fasting and community outreach.
“We led a letter-writing campaign at many of the Catholic and Lutheran churches in the area,” Columbia 40 Days for Life Co-Director Kathy Forck said. “We had two letter drops to the offices of former Chancellor Loftin and Interim Chancellor Foley, which brought almost 5,000 signed letters and petitions.”
Grassroots Organizer for Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri Christine Fouts said that, despite protests coming from both sides, the Planned Parenthood continued to work on spreading awareness to the community about its services and its role in the community. Planned Parenthood’s educational efforts focus on teaching people about consent, birth control and sexually transmitted infections.
“Earlier this month, we held a ‘Healthy Neighborhood Canvass’ where staff and volunteers went door-to-door in the neighborhood just west of the health center to let people know about Planned Parenthood services,” Fouts said.
Though Foley heard arguments from all sides of the abortion debate, including opinions from students, community members and the clinic itself, he still upheld Loftin’s previous decision concerning the clinic.
“I personally have given this issue much thought and have been touched by many of the emails and letters our office has received—especially those from women who have relied on Planned Parenthood for health care,” Foley said in an email following his decision. “I am sympathetic to many of the situations and extenuating circumstances these women have found themselves in—situations and circumstances that lead to decisions most women will never have to make.”
