Planned Parenthood says it will resume abortion clinic treatment ‘immediately’ after Jackson County judge’s decision

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Planned Parenthood said in a statement that it plans to restore abortion services to its clinics throughout the state “immediately” following a judge’s ruling on Friday.

Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit in November in Jackson County challenging a Missouri law that required surgical center licensing for clinics that could provide abortion through medication – such as the commonly referred to “morning after” pill or “abortion pill.”

Planned Parenthood argued on Dec. 30 that “the Abortion Facility Licensing Requirement treats abortion providers differently and less favorably than all other health care providers.”

Voters approved restoring abortion rights in Missouri during the November election. However, the stipulation of the surgical license had hung up Planned Parenthood.

Judge Jerii Zhang in Jackson County ruled that “miscarriage management can be provided on an outpatient basis without a special facility license.” The order says that miscarriage management and abortion practices can be similar. Zhang wrote that under the law, abortion facilities were treated differently than other similar health providers.

“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,” Emily Wales, President and CEO of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a Friday press release. “Abortion care will be restored immediately. The people voted, the court responded, and we will do our part: serving Missourians in their home state.”

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