Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that the Jackson County Circuit Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state's parental consent laws related to abortion for minors. The lawsuit, filed by the organization “Right By You,” sought to overturn these laws following the 2024 adoption of Amendment 3, which added a right to abortion to the Missouri Constitution.

“This ruling reaffirms Missouri’s authority to enforce its parental consent laws and protect the rights of parents against being excluded from medical decisions regarding their children,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “The Court’s decision upholds both the rule of law and the state’s compelling interest in safeguarding the welfare of minors.”

The court's decision means that Missouri's requirements for parental consent before a minor can obtain an abortion remain in effect, despite changes made by Amendment 3. The case, Right By You v. State of Missouri, 2516-CV13783 (Jackson County Circuit Court), argued that these laws were invalid under the new constitutional amendment, but the court rejected this claim.

Attorney General Hanaway described this as a significant outcome for minors in Missouri who are protected by these consent requirements. In 2023, her office reported finding evidence suggesting Planned Parenthood employees had violated state law by helping minors get abortions out of state without parental knowledge or consent. This included allegations of fabricating doctors’ notes and transporting minors across state lines.

Additionally, undercover video footage obtained by the Attorney General’s Office showed Planned Parenthood staff in Independence, Missouri arranging an abortion for a 13-year-old without her parents’ consent. Staff reportedly admitted to arranging such procedures regularly. This incident is currently under investigation and subject to enforcement action in Boone County Circuit Court.

“Today’s victory ensures that Missouri’s parental consent laws will continue to safeguard young girls, hold abortion providers accountable, and uphold the values of Missouri families for generations to come,” concluded Attorney General Hanaway.