ACLU, Planned Parenthood sue Missouri over new abortion law

Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Missouri sued the state of Missouri on Tuesday over new abortion regulations. 

The groups argue a recently passed law “severely restricts access to safe, legal abortion” by requiring the same physician performing an abortion to be the one giving state-mandated information to a patient 72 hours before the procedure. 

Previously, any “qualified professional” was authorized to discuss that information with the patient. 

{mosads}”This will result in extreme delays up to three to four weeks for women to access abortion, and it will cut some women off from care entirely,” the groups argue. 

“Abortion is a time-sensitive procedure, and extreme delays like these will mean some people cannot access an abortion at all.”

The groups are asking for a preliminary injunction to block the law from going into effect Oct. 24. 

Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and the ACLU of Missouri filed the lawsuit in state court. 

“Last year, the Supreme Court held that a woman should be able to get safe abortion care without needless delays or burdens and with respect and dignity,” ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project Deputy Director Talcott Camp said in a statement. 

“This Missouri law flies in the face of that ruling, disregards women’s health, and places politicians between a woman and her health care.”

Missouri’s Attorney General’s office defended the law. 

“SB5 enacts sensible regulations that protect the health of women in Missouri and it is our duty and privilege to vigorously defend them,” said Loree Ann Paradise, deputy chief of staff to Attorney General Josh Hawley.