In Missouri, abortions are set to resume after a judge blocked regulations that restricted providers even after voters approved enshrining abortion rights into the state’s constitution. Planned Parenthood argued that the licensing law required medically unnecessary and invasive pelvic exams for anyone receiving an abortion, along with medically irrelevant size requirements for facilities. Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang ruled that the licensing requirement was discriminatory and did not treat services in abortion facilities like other types of health care. However, Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey is fighting the lawsuit to overturn the near-total abortion ban in the state.
Missouri voters had approved a measure adding abortion rights to the constitution in November, requiring judges to reconsider laws that almost completely banned the procedure. Planned Parenthood is now working quickly to start providing abortions again, with partners ready to begin the procedures as soon as next week. The state’s constitutional amendment allows lawmakers to restrict abortion after viability with exceptions to protect the life or health of the pregnant person.
Missouri is one of five states where voters approved ballot measures to enshrine abortion rights in their constitutions in 2024. The ruling allowing abortions to resume is temporary pending the outcome of the lawsuit by abortion-rights advocates. This change is expected to provide greater access to abortion care for Missourians and others in the Midwest region.
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