Efforts to resume on reinstating Columbia abortions

Planned Parenthood confirmed efforts can move forward on resuming abortions at their Columbia, Springfield and Joplin clinics after a new ruling Monday from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Back in April, a federal district judge blocked tougher restrictions because they are not medically necessary, based on an earlier decision from the U.S. Supreme Court issued for similar rules in Texas. Those were briefly stopped in mid-September during a legal battle with Missouri’s attorney general, Josh Hawley. They were able to re-license their clinic in Kansas City beforehand. After Monday’s decision, they can restart licensing in the three other cities, including Columbia.

“We look forward to serving Missourians in more locations across the state and expanding access to safe, legal abortion,” Planned Parenthood Great Plains Interim President and CEO, Aaron Samulcek said. “The last thing that should stand in the way of their access to sexual and reproductive health care is an extreme politician who doesn’t know the first thing about health care delivery.”