Updated December 7, 2024 | As of December 6, when the Constitutional Amendment took effect, Judge Zhang had not decided in the case concerning a number of restrictions on abortion. Though abortion technically became legal, the restrictions, including a 72-hour-waiting period, were still in place and successfully dissuaded existing facilities from resuming abortions prior to the judge’s decision.
By Anne Reed
Kansas City, Missouri — Today, December 4, Attorney General Andrew Bailey (R-MO) will be defending unborn babies and their mothers. The consequential case will be heard at the Western District Court of Kansas City. The case was brought against the state of Missouri by Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Missouri on November 6, 2024.
In 2022, on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court decided Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and overturned Roe v. Wade, Missouri became one of the first states in the nation to prohibit abortion. However, on November 5, Missouri experienced a significant loss when pro-life votes fell just short of the required 50% needed to stop a pro-abortion ballot amendment.
The “Missouri Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment” passed with 52% of the vote and enshrined a right to abortion up to “viability” in the state constitution. However, with no clear definition of “viability,” this amendment has opened the door for unfettered, full-term abortions in a state where preborn children have protection through all nine months.
“This case is a consequence of that door being swung open,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “But we serve a miracle-working God. So, let’s pray for a miracle!”
Planned Parenthood officials want the court in this case to issue a legal order requiring the Attorney General to stop enforcing the law protecting unborn children while making a formal ruling declaring the law violates the Missouri State Constitution and is, therefore, invalid.
Women in Missouri who have been hurt by abortion are gathering at 1 p.m., Wednesday, in front of the Jackson County Courthouse for a press conference. The women will show their support for the existing pro-life law while affirming that protections are needed for women and girls who fall victim to the lies of the abortion industry and experience devastating physical and psychological effects as a result.
Among other restrictions, one of the current statutes being challenged provides that a doctor must fully inform a mother that abortion is the “termination of the life of a separate, unique, living human being.” This relevant, factual statement was previously upheld in Planned Parenthood v. Rounds, 530 F.3d 724 (8th Cir. 2008).
| Pray now and during the time of the hearing (1 p.m. CST) for those who will be defending the safety of babies and women. If you are in the Kansas City area, you can attend the hearing: 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO. Presiding Judge Jerri Zhang |
