On Wednesday, a regional Planned Parenthood representative said that the organization would likely sue state of Missouri after a Columbia family planning facility halted abortions this week, leaving just one facility in the state that still performs them.
Laura McQuade, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri, said the organization intends to sue the state Department of Health and Senior Services if it revokes the facility’s abortion license. State law requires that any physician who performs abortions must have admitting privileges at a hospital. In September, a panel of University of Missouri Health Care medical staff voted to discontinue privileges to Planned Parenthood doctor Colleen McNicholas. The ruling takes effect next week.
The ending of abortions at the Columbia facility leaves only one facility in Missouri which still offers abortions – Planned Parenthood of St. Louis.
Kathy Forck of the 40 Days for Life campaign said the end of abortions at the Columbia clinic is “a victory for women’s health.” She claims pro-life groups plan to deliver more letters to the University Monday in support of the University’s breaking ties with Planned Parenthood. On the same day, Planned Parenthood plans to hold a vigil and march on campus to protest.
