JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The leading AFL-CIO official in the state released a statement today clarifying that the labor group has no formal position on abortion, and does not contribute to Planned Parenthood.
Mike Louis, president of Missouri AFL-CIO, issued the statement today as more lawmakers around the country call for an end to funds for Planned Parenthood and investigation into potential criminal violations. Some Republicans have been critical of labor groups that have donated or otherwise coordinated with the organization.
“I believe that it is important to clarify to the over 400,000 people that make up our membership that the Missouri AFL-CIO has never taken a position and has no intention to do so on the abortion issue,” Louis wrote in a statement. “I understand this is a moral issue left to the conscious of each individual and by no means would I attempt to ever infringe upon that.”
Louis went on to say “unequivocally” that AFL-CIO dues in Missouri would not be used to “fund or pay for any type of abortion services.”
Louis’ statement comes as Missouri’s own Republicans begin investigating the state’s Planned Parenthood for any wrongdoing in the wake of several hidden-camera videos released by an anti-abortion group. While Louis did not defend abortion or the organization, he did seek to emphasize access to health care for women.
“While the Life issue will always be controversial, we should never lose sight that all women in Missouri should have access to a quality health care provider,” Louis wrote.
Collin Reischman was the Managing Editor for The Missouri Times, and a graduate of Webster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
