Missouri judge again blocks many of the state's anti-abortion laws
Share this @internewscast.com

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — On Thursday, a Missouri judge halted numerous abortion restrictions in the state, reinstating a preliminary injunction just over a month after the state’s supreme court had dissolved a prior hold.

Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang’s ruling indicated that the abortion restrictions likely infringe upon a state constitutional right to abortion that voters sanctioned last year.

Planned Parenthood said the order clears the way for it to again provide procedural abortions in Missouri.

But Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said his office “will expeditiously appeal this ruling.”

The court decision is the latest development in an ongoing battle, as Missouri has alternated between prohibiting and permitting most abortions over several years.

When the U.S. Supreme Court ended a nationwide right to abortion by overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022, it triggered a Missouri law to take effect banning abortions “except in cases of medical emergency.” But abortion-rights activists gathered initiative petition signatures to reverse that law.

Last November, voters narrowly approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a right to abortion until fetal viability, generally considered sometime past 21 weeks of pregnancy. That made Missouri the only state where voters have used a ballot measure to overturn a ban on abortion at all stages of pregnancy.

The state Supreme Court ruled in May that Zhang had applied the wrong standard when issuing rulings in February and December that blocked Missouri’s abortion restrictions.

Upon reconsideration, Zhang again issued preliminary injunctions against the abortion ban. The judge also reimposed a hold on various other laws, including a 72-hour waiting period for abortions, numerous abortion facility licensure requirements and a mandate that physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges at certain types of hospitals located within 30 miles (48 kilometers) or 15 minutes of where an abortion is provided.

“Abortion is legal again in Missouri because voters demanded it and we fought for it,” said Emily Wales, president and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “Care starts again on Monday in Kansas City.”

Planned Parenthood clinics in central Missouri and St. Louis also “will work as quickly as possible to resume scheduling abortion appointments,” said Margot Riphagen, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers.

The attorney general’s office said it will keep up the legal fight.

“Missouri will not stand idly by while the abortion industry seeks to strip away basic medical safeguards,” Bailey’s office said in a statement. “We will continue to uphold the State’s compelling interest in protecting women’s health, safety, and informed consent.”

Thursday’s order did not address medication abortions, which remain on hold while Planned Parenthood wrangles with the state over abortion regulations.

The court battle is just one part of Missouri’s ongoing abortion debate.

In May, the Republican-led Legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would reimpose an abortion ban — but with exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest. The measure could be on the ballot in 2026 or sooner.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Beloved Sylvanian Drama TikTok Faces Legal Turmoil After Fans Demand Explanation for Month-Long Silence

The fans are expressing their disappointment as a popular TikTok account has…
Mugshot of a woman with long brown and blonde hair.

Tragic Incident: Mother Allegedly Handcuffs Son, 6, During Pit Bull Attack

AN EVIL mother who handcuffed her six-year-old son and watched a pit…
Lombard teen boy accused of plotting explosion, act of terror at Glendale Heights Islamic Education Center on Goodrich Avenue: FBI

Lombard Teen Charged with Planning Terror Attack on Glendale Heights Islamic Center: FBI

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — A 16-year-old boy from Lombard has been…
Popular 'internal shower' chia seed trend could backfire if you make this one mistake

Avoid This Common Mistake with the Popular ‘Internal Shower’ Chia Seed Trend

Chia seeds have long been a staple in the health food arena,…
DHS accuses 'activist' judge of pushing radical gender ideology by releasing trans migrant

The Department of Homeland Security claims that a ‘activist’ judge is promoting radical gender beliefs by allowing the release of a transgender migrant.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has criticized a federal judge in…
Behind the 'boondoggle' of Newsom's high-speed rail dream

The Complexity of Newsom’s High-Speed Rail Vision

We’re a long way from the transcontinental railroad. In the 1860s, we…
Pam Bondi Takes Steps to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Testimony

Pam Bondi Moves to Make Epstein’s Grand Jury Testimony Public

The document endorsed by Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche indicates…
Detective faces accused killer dentist in court showdown after alleged $20K hit attempt: 'ups the ante'

Detective Confronts Accused Dentist in Court Over Alleged $20K Murder-for-Hire Plot: ‘Raises the Stakes’

Prosecutors in Arapahoe County, Colorado, brought the lead investigator in the James…
US revokes visas of Brazilian justices after its top court cracks down on ex-president Bolsonaro

U.S. Cancels Visas of Brazilian Judges Following Supreme Court’s Action Against Former President Bolsonaro

SAO PAULO, July 18 – The United States is set to revoke…
Trump halts military strikes on Houthis but expert warns Iran-backed terrorist group remains major threat

Trump Pressed to Support Yemen’s Anti-Houthi Forces Amid Rising Attacks on Shipping

On Sunday, the State Department condemned Yemen’s Houthi terrorist movement, backed by…
WNBA signature sneakers shine at All-Star weekend

WNBA Signature Sneakers Take the Spotlight at All-Star Weekend

Over the last three years, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson…
Juul news: Vape brand can continue selling its tobacco, menthol flavors of e-cigarettes, FDA says

FDA Approves Juul to Keep Selling Tobacco and Menthol E-Cigarettes

The Food and Drug Administration has decided to allow Juul to continue…