Federal Judge Orders the Missouri Department of Health to Maintain Planned Parenthood’s License in Columbia

Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri celebrated U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey’s ruling today, which issued a temporary restraining order stopping the Department of Health and Senior Services from immediately revoking PPKM’s license to perform abortions at its Columbia health center.

“Today Judge Laughrey acknowledged what Planned Parenthood has always known – that the State of Missouri has treated PPKM’s Columbia facility differently than other Ambulatory Surgical Centers,” Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri President and CEO Laura McQuade said.

The Western District Court of Missouri said today it ruled on grounds of equal protection, that the State of Missouri’s revocation of PPKM’s license may be based on animus toward the center and the work it performs there.

“Based upon this ruling, we remain confident that the January hearing will result in a preliminary injunction. In the meantime, PPKM’s expert medical staff will remain steadfast in our mission to provide women with the best in reproductive health care, cancer screenings and educational programs,” McQuade said. 

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.