Abortion-rights advocates in Missouri are challenging the state’s near-total ban on the procedure following the passage of an abortion rights constitutional amendment in the recent election. Planned Parenthood and the state’s Attorney General’s Office are set to argue in court over whether to issue a temporary order blocking enforcement of Missouri’s abortion laws. The advocates argue that these restrictions will prevent or delay care for Missourians seeking abortions.
In addition to Missouri, five other states, including Nevada and New York, also approved abortion rights amendments this year. The Missouri amendment does not explicitly override existing state laws, leaving it to advocates to challenge laws they believe to be unconstitutional. Attorney General Andrew Bailey has stated that most abortions will remain legal after the amendment takes effect, but his office is still fighting for bans on abortions after viability.
Other abortion laws being defended by Bailey’s office include waiting periods and restrictions based on race, sex, or Down syndrome diagnosis. Planned Parenthood argues that these laws make it nearly impossible to offer abortions in the state. The Attorney General’s Office contends that Planned Parenthood has not proven they will be negatively impacted by these laws, as no abortions have been scheduled yet.
The outcome of this legal battle is uncertain, with Judge Jerri Zhang set to rule on the request for a preliminary injunction. The case highlights the ongoing debate over abortion rights and access in the state of Missouri and the broader impact of the recent constitutional amendment on reproductive healthcare.
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