Controversy Surrounds Missouri Attorney General’s Order on Abortion Pills
The ongoing debate over abortion in Missouri has taken a new turn as Planned Parenthood facilities in the state rally against the attorney general’s directive banning the distribution of abortion pills. This latest development is seen by some as an intensification of the political strife surrounding reproductive rights.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, has issued an order prohibiting Planned Parenthood–Great Rivers from conducting chemical abortions. Bailey’s order states that the organization lacks a valid plan to manage complications arising from such procedures, a requirement under state law.
Bailey’s concerns stem from data indicating that up to 4.6% of women undergoing chemical abortions may require medical attention. “Missouri law requires you to adopt an approved plan to treat complications when using any chemical ‘in which more than 1 percent of the drug or chemical required surgical intervention after its administration,’” he emphasized in his directive. “You do not have an approved plan in place.”
The attorney general has accused Planned Parenthood of repeatedly violating state laws, citing instances where physicians allegedly broke legal mandates concerning reporting, informed consent, and sterilization protocols. According to Bailey, “Physicians at Planned Parenthood organizations in Missouri have recently conceded — under oath — to violating the law and have been found by investigators and tribunals to have violated Missouri’s laws many times in recent years.”
In support of Bailey’s actions, Sue Liebel, State Affairs Director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, praised his stance, declaring, “We’re thankful Missouri has strong pro-life leaders like Attorney General Bailey, who — unlike pro-abortion blue states — won’t tolerate the Big Abortion Industry, led by Planned Parenthood, profiting at women’s and children’s expense.”
The conflict began when Bailey announced his intention to issue a cease and desist order in a public statement, setting a March 7 deadline for Planned Parenthood to respond. His actions followed what he describes as a history of non-compliance by the organization, stating, “Planned Parenthood has a long history of disregarding the health and safety of Missouri women.”
In response, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers and Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains condemned the order as a “blatant attempt to deceive Missourians.” They assert that both organizations submitted the required complication plans in February and are awaiting a response from the Department of Health and Senior Services. Their statement claims no prior notice from the AG regarding the published release and indicates they have not resumed medication abortion services.
Additionally, a letter from Planned Parenthood Great Rivers stated they are not providing medication abortions while awaiting approval of their complication plan, highlighting a lack of response from the DHSS despite repeated inquiries.
This legal and political disagreement follows a report by The New York Times, which revealed unsanitary conditions at Planned Parenthood facilities nationwide, further fueling the debate.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
