A Jackson County judge has struck down several Missouri abortion regulations, allowing medication abortion to resume in the state. The ruling, issued by Judge Jerri Zhang, declared unconstitutional laws that required a 72-hour waiting period, special licensing for abortion providers, and hospital admitting privileges for physicians performing abortions.

Medication Abortion to Resume

Medication abortion, the most common method of ending a pregnancy in the United States, will now be available in Missouri for the first time since 2018. Planned Parenthood, which had challenged the regulations, announced that it will begin offering medication abortion appointments next week.

The ruling was praised by supporters of abortion rights, who argued that the regulations were designed to restrict access to abortion. However, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said she plans to appeal the decision to the Missouri Supreme Court, arguing that it gives abortion providers a ‘free pass’ to police themselves.

The decision comes after a 10-day bench trial in January, during which Zhang heard from abortion providers, Planned Parenthood employees, and women who had undergone abortions. The ruling also comes more than 18 months after voters passed a constitutional amendment protecting the right to abortion up to the point of fetal viability.

Reaction to the Ruling

Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said the decision ‘brings compassion and common sense back to Missouri healthcare.’ However, Hanaway argued that the ruling puts women’s health at risk by allowing abortion providers to operate without proper oversight.

Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.