Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has successfully defended a state law banning child mutilation, marking a significant legal victory just days before the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a related case. This development follows a two-week trial in which the court upheld Missouri's legislation.

Attorney General Bailey stated, "The Court has left Missouri’s law banning child mutilation in place, a resounding victory for our children. We are the first state in the nation to successfully defend such a law at the trial court level." He commended his office for their dedication and reiterated his commitment to making Missouri safe for children.

The court dismissed the plaintiffs' argument by suggesting that it would permit minors to engage in various activities if recommended by any medical professional. The opinion highlighted that "Courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, regularly reject that argument."

Bailey's efforts against practices involving minors have been ongoing since 2023 when he initiated an investigation into allegations against a St. Louis pediatric transgender center. A whistleblower claimed that the center administered experimental drugs without proper assessments and pressured parents into consent, leading some children to attempt suicide. The whistleblower also accused the center of unlawfully billing taxpayers.

Following preliminary legal successes against SB 49 challenges, gender transition interventions for minors ceased at this center in September. With this latest ruling, Missouri stands as the first state to uphold such legislation at trial court level.

Attorney General Bailey continues legal actions demanding document disclosure from clinics and reports success in other related lawsuits.

Today's court order can be accessed online.