A Missouri judge ruled Friday that the state’s abortion facilities no longer need to meet certain health and safety licensing standards. The ruling means that abortions are set to resume in the formerly pro-life state as soon as this week.
In November, Missouri voters approved Amendment 3, enshrining abortion as a constitutional “right” and effectively nullifying the state’s pro-life protections. However, abortions remained on pause due to a state law that all abortion facilities must maintain certain licensing requirements and standards that apply to ambulatory surgical centers such as size regulations in hallways and doorways, as well as the requirement to have a written plan for medical emergencies and a transfer protocol in place with area hospitals.
That all changed on February 14, when Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang lifted every one of those requirements.
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“The court finds the facility licensing requirement is facially discriminatory because it does not treat services provided in abortion facilities the same as other types of similarly-situated health care, including miscarriage care,” Zhang wrote in the ruling. “The court finds plaintiffs have demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits on this point and have met the other requirements for entry of a preliminary injunction…”
Often referred to by abortion advocates as “TRAP” laws (targeted regulation of abortion providers), these licensing laws are designed to keep women safe. For example, when an ambulance gurney can’t fit in an elevator or there isn’t a protocol in place to bring an injured woman to a nearby hospital, an injured patient is put further at risk. These types of situations aren’t far-fetched; Live Action News has written extensively about the injuries women face at abortion facilities — injuries that will likely increase when they visit facilities that do not need to maintain basic safety standards. Sadly, 911 calls are a routine occurrence at many abortion businesses, licensed or otherwise.
Planned Parenthood praised the ruling and announced it will resume committing abortions in Missouri within days. Meanwhile, Coalition Life, a local pro-life organization, said it will resume sidewalk counseling outside Planned Parenthood in St. Louis on Monday.
“The court’s decision marks a sad day for anyone who values the sanctity of life,” said Coalition Life Executive Director Brian Westbrook. “This ruling reinforces the need for pro-life agencies and advocates to offer life-affirming alternatives to women. Coalition Life remains steadfast in our mission to provide resources, education, and support to women facing unexpected pregnancies.”
Zhang’s ruling is considered temporary while a lawsuit regarding the licensing requirements proceeds. The state is expected to appeal the ruling.
