KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Jackson County Circuit Court judge gave Missouri abortion rights proponents a win Friday by granting a motion to lift the state's abortion facility licensing requirement law.
Judge Jerri Zhang issued the ruling as part of several orders released Friday.
Missouri’s two Planned Parenthood affiliates, Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, are ready to provide abortion care within the state this week.
"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,” said Emily Wales, President and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “Abortion care will be restored immediately. The people voted, the court responded, and we will do our part: serving Missourians in their home state.”
Last November, Missouri voters approved Amendment 3, clearing the way for abortions up to fetal viability.
The provisions of the amendment were set to take effect within 30 days of the vote, but abortion providers in the state sought court clarification and approval before resuming abortion-related services.
Judge Zhang issued the first of her rulings in late December. While that ruling blocked several parts of Missouri’s abortion ban, abortion rights providers say it left in place the state’s abortion facility licensing law.
Following December’s ruling, parties in the ongoing legal case returned to court, filing additional motions regarding abortion facility licensing laws.
“The court finds the facility licensing requirement is facially discriminatory because it does not treat services provided in abortion facilities the same as other types of similarly-situated health care, including miscarriage care,” Zhang wrote in Friday’s three-page ruling. “The court finds plaintiffs have demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits on this point and have met the other requirements for entry of a preliminary injunction…”
Coalition Life, a nonprofit anti-abortion group, announced it will begin sidewalk counseling operations in St. Louis on Feb. 17 due to Zhang's ruling on Friday.
“The court's decision marks a sad day for anyone who values the sanctity of life,” said Coalition Life Executive Director Brian Westbrook. “This ruling reinforces the need for pro-life agencies and advocates to offer life-affirming alternatives to women. Coalition Life remains steadfast in our mission to provide resources, education, and support to women facing unexpected pregnancies.”
LINK | Read the ruling
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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