Women's Health

Black Maternal & Infant Mortality: 'The most vulnerable among us are the most directly affected by the policies."

Evonnia Woods is the Senior Outreach Producer for Reproaction, an advocacy organization focusing on reproductive justice.

In Missouri, Black women are “four times more likely to die within one year of pregnancy than white women,” according to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.

She spoke about the way that intersectional issues – like transportation, poverty and racism – can contribute to Black maternal and infant mortality.

This piece was reported and produced by Rachel Schnelle.

'It's preventable. We have Black mothers dying at three to four times the rates of white women, and it doesn't have to be like that.'

April Mickens Jolly is the Vice President of Health Equity & Culture at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri – and a Black mother.

According to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Black women in Missouri are 4 times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than white women.

So, Mickens Jolly spoke about how this serious problem goes beyond just getting to a doctor, and about what communities can do to decrease the risk of pregnancy for Black women.

This piece was reported and produced by Rachel Schnelle.

COVID-19 & New Moms: 'There's a lot of guilt with the mothers.'

Dr. Olugbemisola Obi is the medical director for the NICU, or neonatal intensive care unit, at MU Health Care in Columbia.

She says the hospital has seen some mothers lately who are very sick from COVID-19 – so sick in fact that their babies are delivered pre-term. She spoke about the impact that having a premature baby in the NICU – while also being COVID-19 positive –can impact a family.

The CDC now recommends the COVID-19 vaccination for anyone who is currently pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future.

'The reality is that it's alcohol as the number one thing used for a drug-facilitated sexual assault.'

Matthew Huffman is the Public Affairs Director for the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, and Joan Masters is the Senior Coordinator of Partners in Prevention – a coalition of 24 Missouri colleges and universities working toward healthy and safe campuses.

They spoke about drug-facilitated sexual assaults and how those have changed during the last few decades – from perpetration using illegal substances like rohypnol, or roofies, to legally obtainable drugs and even – just alcohol

'We Have Seen Stillbirths in COVID Women - We Are Worried it Could Be Because of COVID.'

Dr. Laura Vricella is an OB-GYN and a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.

She spoke about how the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has impacted her and her staff, and about some of the ways that COVID-19 infections seem to be impacting expectant mothers and their babies.

**Note: This piece does discuss infant loss and could be disturbing to some listeners.

Men as Allies Against Domestic Violence: 'Be Accountable. Speak Up When Injustices are Happening.'

Elizabeth Herrera Eichenberger is the executive director of True North of Columbia – an organization that supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence through “safety, shelter, education and transitional support.”

She spoke about their Men as Allies Program, and about the role men can play in reducing domestic and sexual violence against women.

Access to Reproductive Health Care 'Has Been a Challenge' During Ongoing Pandemic

Mallory Schwarz and Arzina Lakhani both work for NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri. Schwarz is the executive director and Lakhani is a policy intern.

They spoke about some of the effects the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has had on access to reproductive health care and abortions in Missouri.

This piece was reported and produced by Isabella Paxton.

Joplin Domestic Violence Shelter Dusts Off Lessons from 2011 Tornado During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2011, a devastating EF5 tornado tore through the city of Joplin, and in the wake of that disaster, Lafayette House was there to provide services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Louise Secker is the Director of Development for Lafayette House in Joplin. The shelter assists survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as people with substance use disorders. She spoke with KBIA’s Rebecca Smith about how the lessons of the 2011 Joplin tornado have helped them adjust to delivering care to survivors during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Infertility: 'It Can Take Over Your Life, Your Marriage, Your Emotional State'

This week’s Missouri Health Talks is a collaboration with Vox Magazine.

Kelly Gilion is the owner of Plume, a local gift shop here in Columbia. She also started a support group for women dealing with fertility issues called Graceful Wait in 2010.

She spoke with reporter Sarah Hallam about how she was inspired to create this group by her own desire for support during her six-year struggle with infertility.

You can read more about Kelly and the support group in the March issue of Vox Magazine - available now around town and online at What does it cost to undergo IVF?

This piece was reported by Sarah Hallam.

HIV and Mental Health: 'A Lot of Times, They're Just Tired and Worn Out'

Jannis Evans and Lynne Meyerkord both work in HIV advocacy. Jannis is the longtime advocate for people living with HIV and used to work in the field, and Lynne is the Executive Director at the AIDS Project of the Ozarks in Springfield.

I met up with them at the Jefferson City office of Empower Missouri.

They spoke about how the impacts and complications of an HIV diagnosis can go far beyond physical health.

Resilience After Sexual Violence: 'I Had to Rebuild My Trust and Relationships'

Kelly Slater, Casey Smith and Matthew Huffman were all guests in October on KBIA's Intersection. You can here that longer interview hosted by KBIA reporter Kassidy Arena – here.

Kelly and Casey are both college students – Kelly is an online student at Arizona State University and Casey is a student at the University of Missouri, and Matthew is with the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

They spoke about resilience after sexual assault and how to rebuild oneself after experiencing trauma.

'The Stigma Between UTIs and Sex Should Not Even Exist'

Denicia Dwarica is a urogynecologist and Elizabeth Malm-Buatsi is a pediatric urologist at MU Women’s and Children’s hospital.

They spoke about some of the common myths and misconceptions about urinary tract infections, or UTIs, during November – which happens to be Bladder Health Month.

Online Birth Control Clubs: 'The Benefits Definitely Outweigh the Risks'

Dr. Jennifer Su is an OB/GYN in Jefferson City and Lily Kraxberger is a student at the University of Missouri. Lily uses an online service to prescribe and mail her monthly birth control pills.

They spoke about how services like Pill Club and Nurx change the accessibility of birth control.

This piece was reported and produced by Veronica Mohesky. As a note, she and Lily are both involved with the Sexual Health Peer Educators group at MU.

'Our Patients Aren't Trying to Make a Political Statement. They're Just Going to Get Health Care'

Recently, there have been multiple challenges to abortions in the state. In late May, Governor Parson signed a ban on abortions after eight weeks - and Missouri could soon become the first state without an abortion provider as the St. Louis Planned Parenthood clinic is currently trying to retain their abortion license in court.

Audrey Aton is a recent MU graduate with a degree in public health. She’s the founder and former president of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Mizzou. Cortney Bouse is a Grassroots Organizer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains.

They first met when Audrey applied for an internship with Planned Parenthood, and over the last two years, they have worked side by side as advocates. They spoke about how access to abortion fits into the larger scope of healthcare.

'It Was a Decision Between a Few Cans of Soup or a $7 Box of Tampons'

Jane Kielhofner and Jacey Schank are both on the executive board of a University of Missouri menstrual health student group called Period @ Mizzou. The group is focused on discussing and advocating for menstrual health, and is part of a larger national organization.

Jane and Jacey have known each other for many years, and they spoke about their organization, and why it’s important. They also spoke about some legislative changes they are working toward like House Bill 747, which aims to change "the laws regarding the taxation of feminine hygiene products, diapers, and incontinence products.”

'It's Not Surprising to Me That Folks Come to College and Don't Know Sex Ed'

Audrey Aton and Cortney Bouse both live in Columbia. Audrey is senior at the University of Missouri studying public health and is the founder and president of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Mizzou. Cortney is a grassroots organizer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains and teaches sex education at her church.

They first met when Audrey applied for an internship with Planned Parenthood, and over the last two years, they have worked side by side as advocates. They spoke about some of their efforts to make sure kids, teen and adults have access to basic sex education.

'Babies at Work' Program: 'It Really Is a Win-Win Situation for Everybody'

Leona Greer and Laura Goddard both work at the Randolph County Health Department in Moberly. Leona is the Nutrition, Breastfeeding and WIC Coordinator, and Laura is the lead secretary in the clinic.

They spoke about how programs like the new “Babies at Work” program the health department is piloting could benefit other families and other businesses.

'Babies at Work' Program: Without It 'I Would Not Have Been Able to Do This Successfully'