Missouri Judge Strikes Down Abortion Restrictions, Restoring Medication Abortions

Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang ruled that a slew of Missouri abortion regulations violated the state’s 2024 constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedom. The decision invalidated licensing requirements for abortion facilities, physician hospital‑admitting‑privilege rules, telemedicine restrictions, a 72‑hour waiting period, and the requirement that the first dose of abortion pills be taken in the prescriber's presence. The ruling clears the way for medication abortions to be prescribed and dispensed in Missouri for the first time since 2018, including via telehealth, and Planned Parenthood has announced that appointments for medication abortion will begin next week.

State Attorney General Catharine Hanaway and Governor Mike Kehoe said they will appeal the decision, calling it a “Pandora’s box” that endangers women’s safety. The appeal is expected to move to the Missouri Supreme Court, where the future scope of abortion access in the state will be decided.