Show-Me State Times

May 27, 2025 - Attorney General Andrew Bailey achieved a significant legal victory as the Missouri Supreme Court vacated a lower court's preliminary injunction in the case of Comprehensive Health v. State of Missouri. This decision reinstates health and safety regulations at abortion facilities across the state.

Attorney General Bailey stated, "Unqualified medical practitioners, moldy equipment, and a lack of approved complication plans are just some of the many terrible things we predicted would follow in the wake of Amendment 3. Given Planned Parenthood’s sordid history of subverting state law, I will continue to ensure their compliance with basic health and safety requirements. I’m proud of the work our office has done to hold the line, making Missouri the safest state in the nation for women and families."

The overturned injunction had previously prevented Missouri from enforcing laws designed to ensure safe conditions for women undergoing abortions. These regulations include prohibiting coerced abortions, maintaining sterile equipment and clean facilities, requiring qualified abortion providers, ensuring emergency plans for complications are in place, and upholding women's rights to receive an ultrasound before an abortion.

The Court's decision supports Missouri's enforcement of these critical regulations. Opponents warned that Amendment 3 could be used by abortion providers to remove essential protections for women—a concern now addressed by this ruling.

This victory highlights ongoing issues with compliance among abortion providers in Missouri. Notably, Planned Parenthood has been accused of violating state laws related to women's health. Dr. David Eisenberg admitted under oath that Planned Parenthood did not file required complication reports over a span of 15 years due to perceived non-enforcement by the state. Similarly, Dr. Colleen McNicholas testified about non-compliance with reporting requirements.

In 2018, inspectors shut down Planned Parenthood’s Columbia facility after discovering staff used mold-contaminated equipment on patients.

Attorney General Bailey concluded: "The law is clear. The evidence is overwhelming. And Missouri will enforce every word of it... We will continue to hold Planned Parenthood accountable, and we will always fight to protect women, children, and the rule of law."