County Executive plans to establish Reproductive Equity Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2022

Jackson County Executive announces his plan to release $1 million in ARPA funds to establish Reproductive Equity Fund

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. today is announcing his plan to release $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to aid women seeking reproductive health services out of state, known as the Jackson County Reproductive Equity Fund.

While the money will not be used to cover the costs of abortions, it will be made available to help women and family’s cover the cost of transportation, lodging and childcare for women who must now go out of state to get an abortion. If approved by the Jackson County Legislature, the County Executive’s Reproductive Equity Fund would also provide support for organizations that are already providing reproductive healthcare access in the region such as postpartum support, doulas and lactation support.

“As elected leaders, it is our responsibility to take action when our community is in danger and it is clear that the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade has created a major health crisis in Jackson County,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “The Jackson County Reproductive Equity Fund will provide support for women of all ages and circumstances, including victims of rape and incest who are now legally forbidden from terminating the pregnancy of their assailant.”

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade in June, the state of Missouri criminalized abortions without any exceptions for rape or incest. In August, a majority of the Jackson County Legislature refused to place an advisory referendum on the November ballot asking voters if they think Missouri’s abortion ban should be repealed to ensure safe and legal access to abortion. The advisory referendum would have provided an opportunity for voters to inform elected officials about their position on a very important issue.

“Some politicians may try and tell you that this is not an issue for local government. I could not disagree more,” said County Executive White. “It is extremely important that we all, especially those of us elected to serve our communities, step up and do everything we can to provide the support necessary, while also working to ensure that reproductive health services are once again legal, safe, accessible and affordable in Jackson County.”

“County Executive White is absolutely right – cities, counties and states are now the battlegrounds for reproductive equity and maternal health. That's why I am proud to sponsor the legislation necessary to create a Reproductive Equity Fund in Jackson County,” said 1st District At-Large Legislator Jalen Anderson. “Once established, the fund will help Jackson County provide the support that so many women now need, while also helping to reduce the damage done to our community by the obliteration of Roe.”

"I have spent my life fighting to protect a woman's freedom to choose if, when and how they want to become a parent or grow their families,” said 2nd District At-Large Legislator Crystal Williams. “I want to commend the County Executive for his continued leadership on reproductive health and for his willingness to fight to ensure that everyone has the freedom to control their own lives, bodies and futures."

County Executive White’s Reproductive Equity Fund is similar to the one established earlier this year in St. Louis City.

Media availability with the County Executive can be arranged for this afternoon by contacting Public Information Officer Marshanna Smith at (816) 881-1391 or msmith@jacksongov.org.