From Missouri Catholic Conference news release, 1/29/09:
January 29, 2009, JEFFERSON CITY, MO – On Wednesday, January 28, 2009, Governor Jay Nixon released his proposed state budget for fiscal year 2010. The Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) is pleased that Gov. Nixon recommended fully funding the Alternatives to Abortion (ATA) program in the amount of $1,949,152.
“We would like to thank Gov. Nixon for recognizing during these difficult economic times how important the Alternatives to Abortion program is for thousands of women and their children, born and unborn,” said Deacon Larry Weber, Executive Director of the Missouri Catholic Conference. The ATA program, which has spanned a dozen years and four gubernatorial administrations, has proven year in and year out to be an effective means of providing help to pregnant women who may be at risk of an abortion.”
The Alternatives to Abortion program provides services during pregnancy and for one year after the birth of the child including prenatal care, medical and mental health care, parenting skills, newborn and infant care, education services, housing, clothing, food, supplies related to pregnancy, newborn care and parenting and adoption assistance. Catholic Charities of St. Louis and Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph are among a consortium of faith-based agencies that provide these vital services.