Abortion-rights advocates are seeking to overturn Missouri's near-total ban on abortion, following a recent vote in favor of an abortion-rights constitutional amendment. The case is being heard by Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang, who is considering a temporary order to block enforcement of Missouri's abortion laws.
Lawyers representing abortion-rights supporters argue that the current restrictions in Missouri could have catastrophic consequences for residents, potentially preventing or delaying access to essential care.
Missouri is one of five states where voters approved measures to add the right to an abortion to their state constitutions this year. The recent constitutional amendment in Missouri does not explicitly override existing laws but allows advocates to challenge any bans they believe are now unconstitutional.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, an abortion opponent, has acknowledged that most abortions will remain legal under the new amendment. However, his office is still advocating for restrictions on abortions after viability, along with other regulations that Planned Parenthood claims have hindered abortion access in the state.
The term 'viability' refers to the stage at which a fetus could survive outside the uterus, typically after the 21st week of pregnancy. Bailey's office is defending laws such as a 72-hour waiting period before an abortion, bans on abortions based on certain criteria, and licensing requirements for facilities providing abortions.
Planned Parenthood has filed a lawsuit challenging these laws, arguing that they pose significant barriers to abortion care. The Attorney General's Office contends that Planned Parenthood has not demonstrated any immediate negative impact from the laws, as no abortions have been scheduled post-amendment.
The outcome of the hearing and the request for a preliminary injunction remain pending, with Judge Zhang yet to issue a ruling on the matter.
