Jackson County judge’s ruling strikes down several abortion restrictions in state

By: Ryan Shiner

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- Several of Missouri’s abortion restrictions were shut down in a Thursday ruling in Jackson County.

Judge Jerri Zhang’s 20-page ruling struck down a number of restrictions that were in place that were determined to be in violation of 2024’s Amendment 3, a voter-approved measure that enshrined abortion rights within the Missouri Constitution.

A lawsuit was filed immediately after voters passed the measure and has been in a legal back-and-forth since, with the state’s Supreme Court sending it back down to Jackson County last year.

Among those restrictions struck down included the restrictions on medical abortions and specific licensing requirements at facilities that provide abortions.

Missouri’s Attorney General Catherine Hanaway opposed the ruling in statement sent on Thursday night.

“My heart is broken by today’s ruling. This is exactly the Pandora’s box we warned of, and the women of Missouri will pay the price,” Hanaway’s statement says.

State lawmakers are asking voters again to give their insight on abortion rights this fall with the new Amendment 3. Its passage would increase restrictions. A group that supports abortion rights “No on 3, Stop the Ban” agreed with Thursday’s ruling.

“Today’s ruling guaranteeing access to medication abortion is a direct result of the passage of the Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment in 2024 when a majority of Missourians voted to end the politicians’ harmful abortion ban and protect reproductive freedom," the group's statement says.