Missouri Supreme Court Reinstates Abortion Ban, Defying Voters

Missouri Supreme Court Reinstates Abortion Ban Despite Voter Approval Jefferson City, MO – In a stunning reversal, the Missouri Supreme Court has reinstated the state's abortion ban, disregarding the overwhelming support for reproductive rights expressed by voters last November. The court ruled that a district judge applied an incorrect legal standard in previous rulings that temporarily lifted the ban. This decision has sparked outrage among abortion rights advocates, while anti-abortion groups celebrate the victory. "This is a temporary setback," stated Emily Wales, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri. "The patients are real, and their frustration is real." The Attorney General, however, views the ruling as a win for women's rights. The court's decision centers on a technicality, claiming the lower court used an incorrect legal standard. The Jackson County judge now has the option to either bring both sides back to court for further arguments or directly apply the Supreme Court's corrected legal standard, potentially issuing a new ruling without another hearing. The implications of this ruling are far-reaching, impacting the lives of Missouri women and raising questions about the future of reproductive rights in the state. The legal battle is far from over, and the fight for access to abortion care will likely continue.