Jackson County Court Blocks 'Discriminatory' Missouri Abortion Regs

A landmark decision upholds a recent vote to "enshrine" abortion in Missouri's constitution.

This 12th & Oak ruling probably isn't the end of legal fight BUT paves the way to Missouri abortion clinics to reopen and now forces some of the more strident GOP elected officials to counteract and close but confirmed voter majority.

Here are the basics and link to more into . . . 

On Friday, Feb. 14, Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang released an order that would halt a requirement for abortion clinics in Missouri to obtain state licenses.

After Missouri voters codified the right to an abortion in the state’s constitution, a number of statutes and regulations were enjoined, however, the licensure requirements were not. Friday’s judgment allows abortions in the state to continue at medical facilities without unnecessary procedures.

According to the judgment, the licensing statute applied only to abortion facilities and mandated doctors to perform unnecessary exams and tests. It was deemed discriminatory.

“Based on the foregoing, the Court finds the facility licensing requirement is facially discriminatory because it does not treat services provided in abortion facilities the same as other types of similarly situated healthcare, including miscarriage care,” Zhang wrote in the order.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KCTV5: Jackson County judge sets stage for abortion providers to reopen in Missouri

MO Indie: ​​Missouri judge blocks ‘discriminatory’ abortion clinic rules blamed for lack of access

KSHB: Missouri judge grants motion from Planned Parenthood to lift abortion facility licensing requirement

Developing . . .