Missouri Judge Blocks Key Abortion Restrictions Following Voter-Approved Amendment

The ruling temporarily halts several restrictive laws but keeps licensing requirements that continue to delay abortion access in the state.

Judge Jerri Zhang issued a preliminary injunction striking down several long-standing abortion restrictions in Missouri, including a 72-hour waiting period and a telemedicine ban for medication abortions.
The decision follows the passage of Amendment 3 in November, which enshrined the right to reproductive freedom in Missouri's constitution with narrow voter approval.
Despite the ruling, abortion services remain inaccessible in Missouri due to licensing requirements for clinics, which the judge upheld as constitutional.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is expected to appeal the decision, potentially bringing the case to the state Supreme Court.
Planned Parenthood and other advocates have expressed mixed reactions, noting progress in removing barriers but emphasizing that full access to abortion care has yet to be restored.