Federal Judge Blocks Missouri Department of Health From Revoking Planned Parenthood’s Abortion License in Columbia

Kansas City – Today, U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey issued a preliminary injunction blocking Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services from revoking Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri’s license to perform abortions in its Columbia health center.

“Judge Laughrey’s decision affirms the state of Missouri violated the Equal Protection Clause by treating PPKM’s Columbia facility differently than other Ambulatory Surgical Centers based on the work our dedicated staff does there,” Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri President and CEO Laura McQuade said.

Today’s ruling allows PPKM to restore safe, legal medication abortion services as soon as the health care provider finds a physician with privileges at a nearby hospital. PPKM can now continue its aggressive search for a qualified doctor who can meet the high excellence in care Planned Parenthood patients have come to know and expect.

“Let this victory show, political games do not pass muster. We will continue to do everything we can to place a physician in our Columbia health center and provide abortions there,” McQuade said.

“We refuse to lose sight of our mission to ensure every woman has access to safe, legal abortion regardless of the medically unnecessary excuses politicians and state leaders continue to spout in their quest to suppress the rights of countless Missourians.” 

Planned Parenthood is a vital resource for our community and for women and families throughout Kansas and Missouri. We are a trusted advocate and source of health care and education for thousands of women, men, and children. For 80 years, women have relied on Planned Parenthood to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy.