Missouri judge strikes down abortion ban, sparking national debate
- A new constitutional amendment in Missouri has created protections for abortion until fetal viability.
- The ruling blocked various enforcement provisions of the state's strict abortion laws.
- Although the ban is mostly unenforceable, significant clinic licensing requirements remain, hindering access to abortion services.
In Missouri, on December 20, 2024, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang issued a ruling regarding the state's nearly complete prohibition on abortions following a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November. This amendment provided legal protections for abortion until fetal viability, directly opposing existing restrictive laws. The ruling blocked various provisions of the abortion ban, including the 72-hour waiting period and a requirement for women to receive state-mandated information before obtaining an abortion. However, Zhang did not block the controversial licensure rules governing abortion providers, which could thwart many clinics from resuming services. Planned Parenthood voiced concerns about these ongoing restrictions, stating that most facilities cannot comply with the stringent requirements, thus preventing them from providing necessary care. The decision is seen as a temporary victory for abortion rights advocates but underlines the ongoing challenges in reinstating accessible abortion services in Missouri, despite the constitutional amendment. The ruling is significant as it may lead to the conclusion that the abortion ban is unconstitutional, depending on how the legal battle unfolds over the coming months.