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Second Judge Issues a Temporary Restraining Order Against Unconstitutional Law

Kansas City, MO — State Judge Charles Atwell yesterday issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) barring enforcement of a new state law that creates civil liability for trusted adults — including clergy, family members, teachers, mentors or health care providers — who "cause, aid or assist" a young woman who, for good reason, cannot involve a parent in her decision to have an abortion. Two weeks ago a TRO was granted by a federal judge in a similar lawsuit to block this law. The latest ruling came after Judge Atwell heard arguments last week from Planned Parenthood attorneys seeking the TRO. The law was signed by Governor Blunt two weeks ago after an unusual special session of the Legislature.

In his ruling Judge Atwell said it is likely that the law violates constitutional rights to free speech and due process and threatens irreparable harm to Planned Parenthood, staff and patients.

"We believe this law jeopardizes the health and safety of Missouri teens," said Peter Brownlie, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri. "That's why Planned Parenthood is fighting the law in court and why the temporary restraining order is a good first step."

"Parents want their teenagers to be safe. Isolating teens from information and counsel from a trusted adult in a time of crisis will not keep teens safe," said Paula Gianino, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region.

Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri and Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region filed the suit in Jackson County's State Circuit Court when the law went into effect last week.

"This unprecedented and dangerous law attempts to impose Missouri's legal restrictions on Missouri teens when they travel outside the state," said Eve Gartner, senior staff attorney for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. "The law threatens health care providers within and outside Missouri who provide accurate medical information and/or safe, legal health care services to a young person in need. The law violates the Missouri Constitution and the U.S. Constitution and puts young people at risk."

After failing to enact draconian anti-choice legislation in the last days of the regular 2005 Legislative Session, Governor Blunt was heavily criticized by Missouri Right to Life and other anti-choice lobby groups. This month Governor Blunt called legislators back to Jefferson City for a special session on abortion restrictions in an attempt to deflect criticism from anti-choice lobby groups.

During the special session, the Missouri House and Senate refused to take up the Prevention First Act, sponsored by Senator Joan Bray and Representative Robin Wright Jones, and designed to expand access to proven prevention programs like family planning, emergency contraception and comprehensive sex education.

"If Governor Blunt truly wanted to make abortion rare, he would expand access to family planning, emergency contraception and sex education," said Gianino. "This law is cruel evidence that Governor Blunt prioritizes politics over women's health."

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

Source

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Contact

Planned Parenthood Federation of America media office: 212-261-4433

Published

May 12, 2014

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