A Missouri judge has ruled that state laws restricting abortion violate a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2024. The amendment allows abortion until the unborn child is viable, generally considered to be past 21 weeks into pregnancy.
Background
Missouri was the first state to enforce a ban on abortions at all stages of pregnancy after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade. However, in 2024, voters approved a constitutional amendment to undo the ban.
The ruling, made by Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang, struck down provisions including a 72-hour waiting period and a requirement that women seeking an abortion see a doctor in person twice at least 72 hours apart. However, it did not overturn a requirement that patients see a doctor in-person to confirm gestational age and rule out an ectopic pregnancy.
Impact
Planned Parenthood affiliates in the state plan to start prescribing abortion pills to patients for the first time since 2018. The ruling is seen as a victory for pro-life advocates, but it is not the final word, as an appeal and another ballot measure are expected.
According to surveys, around 300 abortions were provided in Missouri each month in the second half of 2025, with many women traveling to neighboring states for the procedure. The ruling is expected to expand access to abortion pills in the state.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
