“Today’s ruling is the direct result of Missouri abortion providers’ tenacity and determination to fight for their patients,” said Planned Parenthood Federation of America president and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson. “As our fight for patients’ access to abortion continues across the country, we will look towards the brave providers and advocates in Missouri, who weathered years of attacks while continuing to serve their communities. Not only are they making abortion access a reality in Missouri, but they are showing us the way forward. Planned Parenthood Federation of America is proud to continue this fight alongside Missouri’s advocates and health care providers, until every person can exercise their right to reproductive freedom.”
Missouri abortion providers to resume care after judge blocks discriminatory licensure requirements
KANSAS CITY Mo., (KBSI) – Missouri health care providers will be able to offer abortion care again. A Jackson county circuit court judge temporarily blocked a licensing requirement for abortion clinics that providers called a key obstacle to renewing access to the procedure across the state.
Not long after, Planned Parenthood clinics announced they would begin offering abortion services in Missouri.
“Abortion care will be restored immediately,” said Emily Wales, President and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “The people voted, the court responded and we will do our part: serving Missourians in their home state. Today’s decision is a triumph for all Missourians: for the voters who demanded their rights, for the medical providers we trust to provide care, and most importantly, for patients who will now be able to receive high-quality care without fear.”
County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang issued a three paged ruling, saying the regulations mandate physicians to perform certain exams and testing that are “unnecessary.”
Planned Parenthood clinics had previously said if the judge ruled in their favor, walk-in medication abortion appointments could begin again.
“Our health center staff are quickly readying to restart this critical care in the coming days,” said Margot Riphagen, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers.
Missouri voters passed Amendment 3 in November. That cleared the way for abortions up to fetal viability.
