Judge rules only abortion clinic in Missouri can remain open

A judge ruled on Monday that the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis, Missouri, can stay open until the state's Department of Health and Senior Services makes a decision on its license.

This is the only health center providing abortions in Missouri. Judge Michael Stelzer issued the preliminary injunction, writing in his decision that the Department of Health and Senior Services has until June 21 to determine whether to renew Planned Parenthood's license. Last month, Planned Parenthood of St. Louis sued the state after being told its license wouldn't be renewed until officials spoke with five physicians who used to work at the clinic.

"Today's decision is a clear victory for our patients — and for people across Missouri — but the threat to safe, legal abortion in the state of Missouri and beyond is far from over," Planned Parenthood President Dr. Leana Wen said in a statement. "We've seen just how closely anti-health politicians came to ending abortion care for an entire state. We are in a state of emergency for women's health in America."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up