It’s been two months since Missouri voters passed Amendment 3, which enshrined the right to an abortion in the state constitution. And yet, the procedure remains unavailable in the state.
Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang temporarily lifted the overall ban on the procedure in December, but kept several restrictions on the books — including a critical that requires clinics to get licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, says this sort of licensing requirement isn't typical for health care providers, and she views the statute as "an overreach by the government."
"What really is problematic is having the state come in and say, 'Here is how you have to operate,'" Wales told KCUR's Up To Date on Wednesday.
Planned Parenthood has asked Zhang to reconsider her order to include the removal of licensing restrictions, on the grounds that they are discriminatory.
"Motions for reconsideration are certainly not really common," says Wales. "I think at the very least, she will know that it is an extraordinary ask, and it's also an extraordinary case."
Wales says she expects for the Missouri Attorney General's Office to challenge any decision made by the judge, which could come within the month.
- Emily Wales, president and CEO Planned Parenthood Great Plains
