Clara Bates, Missouri Independent

Stories by Clara Bates, Missouri Independent

Nurses in the emergency department of a hospital.

One-third of Missouri’s Rural Hospitals at Risk of Closure

The Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform found that 19 of Missouri’s 57 rural hospitals are at risk of closure due to “serious financial problems.”

Plan B emergency contraception packages.

New Push in Missouri to Provide Free Emergency Contraception

Missouri Family Health Council will mail more than 5,500 free kits containing emergency contraception pills in a pilot program launching Thursday.

Rep. Brenda Shields. R-St. Joseph, speaks during debate in the Missouri House during the 2021 legislative session.

Missouri Legislator Proposes Tax Credits Aimed at Mitigating Child Care ‘Crisis’

A Missouri House committee on Tuesday debated legislation that would establish several tax credits designed to improve access to affordable child care and stabilize the industry.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson delivers a speech.

Missouri Lawmakers Vow to Expand Child Care Access. Governor’s Speech May Lay Out the Plan

On Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Mike Parson is expected to lay out his vision for addressing what some legislators have framed as a child care crisis in Missouri.