A Jackson County circuit judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting enforcement of Missouri’s abortion bans and several targeted restrictions, clearing the way for the state’s two Planned Parenthood affiliates to resume providing procedural abortion care.
The decision comes after the Missouri Supreme Court recently clarified the legal standard for issuing preliminary injunctions. That clarification had previously led the circuit court to temporarily vacate its original injunction, effectively reinstating a de facto abortion ban. Thursday’s ruling reinstates protection for abortion access under Missouri’s newly amended Constitution, which voters approved last November.
“This critical win begins to restore abortion access in our state,” said Gillian Wilcox, Director of Litigation at the ACLU of Missouri. “But Missourians must be vigilant and continue defending their rights.”
Planned Parenthood leaders expressed relief. Emily Wales, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, confirmed that procedural abortion care will resume Monday at their Kansas City clinic. Margot Riphagen, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said their St. Louis clinic would begin scheduling appointments as soon as possible.
The injunction does not yet affect certain restrictions on medication abortions, which remain in legal limbo due to a delayed response and emergency rule from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The ongoing lawsuit is led by Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers-Missouri, represented by the ACLU of Missouri, the ACLU, Crowell & Moring LLP, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. A full trial is scheduled for January 2026.
