Over the last two months, Missouri courts have overturned several anti-abortion laws.
On Friday, a judge in Jackson County ruled that clinic licensing requirements were unconstitutional.
This decision allowed abortion services to resume in the state.
Republicans Respond with Opposition
Three days later, Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists gathered outside Planned Parenthood locations across Missouri.
They made it clear they would not give up their fight. State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a strong supporter of Missouri’s abortion ban, vowed that Republicans would take action.
“There will be another option to vote,” Coleman said Monday, hinting at future legislative efforts.
Attorney General May Appeal Ruling
Coleman said Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is expected to appeal the ruling.
However, no appeal had been filed by Monday afternoon. A spokesperson for Bailey’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
First Abortion Performed Since Ban Was Overturned
On Saturday, a Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City performed Missouri’s first elective abortion since voters passed Amendment 3 in November, overturning the state’s abortion ban.
Republican Lawmakers Seek to Reinstate Ban
Missouri Republicans have proposed about 36 bills to weaken or repeal Amendment 3.
The Missouri House is prioritizing a new constitutional amendment that would ban abortion again but allow exceptions for rape and incest survivors who report the crime.
However, Senate Democrats have promised to block any effort to undo the voter-approved amendment.
Attorneys Exploring Another Way to Ban Abortion
Coleman also mentioned that some attorneys are working on a citizen-led initiative petition. This would be another way to reinstate the abortion ban if the legislature fails to pass a new law.
Judge Calls Licensing Requirements Unfair
In Friday’s ruling, Judge Jerri Zhang said Missouri’s licensing requirement for abortion clinics was discriminatory. The requirement treated abortion clinics differently than other healthcare providers.
During a court hearing, Zhang questioned how clinics would be regulated if the state licensing rules were removed.
A Planned Parenthood attorney explained that clinics would follow the same professional licensing requirements as other outpatient facilities.
Republicans Say Abortion Rules Protect Women
Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists argue that licensing requirements are necessary to ensure women’s safety.
“We are going to spend every second and every dollar to make sure Missourians know what is happening,” Coleman said. “There are no health and safety regulations now.”
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Protests Held Outside Clinics
On Monday, a small group of anti-abortion activists gathered outside a Kansas City Planned Parenthood clinic. They held signs and prayed after learning that an abortion had taken place there two days earlier.
“It’s a sad day today because abortion has resumed in Missouri,” said Rev. James V. Johnston Jr., a Catholic bishop from Kansas City. He urged lawmakers to act.
Meanwhile, two clinic escorts stood at the entrance, holding umbrellas to shield patients’ identities from protesters.
Similar Protests in St. Louis
A similar protest happened at a Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis, where anti-abortion activist Brian Westbrook criticized Planned Parenthood’s decision to resume abortion services.
“This is about putting abortion over the safety and well-being of women,” said Westbrook, who leads the anti-abortion group Coalition Life. He announced a six-day “prayer and fasting” vigil outside the St. Louis clinic.
Planned Parenthood Responds
Planned Parenthood’s Nick Dunne confirmed that abortions had not yet resumed at the St. Louis location. However, clinics across Missouri are preparing to offer services again.
“This,” Coleman said, “is not a fight that ends ever.”
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