Satanists, judiciary empower Missouri abortion industry

JEFFERSON CITY – Lawmakers aren’t to blame for Planned Parenthood’s most recent expansion in Missouri, according to some of the state’s pro-life advocates. Instead, the abortion industry is making a comeback in the state with the help of judicial decisions – and the Satanic Temple.
Planned Parenthood’s legal fight to gain ground in Missouri took a turn in the abortion industry’s favor because of an order released, Oct. 2, by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court battle centers around state regulations that, according to Planned Parenthood, are similar to Texas laws that the U.S. Supreme Court ousted last year.
According to Missouri’s regulations, physicians at abortion clinics must have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, and abortion clinics must have high enough medical standards to be classified as ambulatory surgical centers. Pro-life leaders in Missouri claim that these regulations protect the women who visit abortion clinics.
But in April, a U.S. district judge issued a preliminary injunction against these regulations, citing the Supreme Court’s 2016 ruling. Last month, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals stayed the preliminary injunction, but reversed its decision on Oct. 2.
As a result of the court’s decision, Planned Parenthood may reopen abortion clinics in Springfield, Joplin and Columbia.
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