KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The future of Missouri's new abortion ban is in the hands of a federal judge in the Western District of Missouri.
The American Civil Liberties Union and attorneys representing the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis requested a preliminary injunction to stop the law from taking effect Wednesday. An attorney representing the state of Missouri also made arguments Monday, arguing against the injunction request.
Missouri's new law bans abortion at eight weeks of pregnancy, including in the case of rape or incest. The only exception would be if a physician determines that the mother's health is in jeopardy.
It's one of the nation's most restrictive abortion laws.
Attorneys for the state argued that the ACLU and Planned Parenthood attorneys do not have legal standing to request a preliminary injunction.
Missouri Solicitor General John Sauer argued that only women seeking an abortion have the right to intervene and request a preliminary injunction.
Dr. Colleen McNicholas, the medical director for Planned Parenthood in St. Louis, voiced her opposition to the state's argument after the court hearing.
"As a physician, I can tell you that Missourians believe that legislators and Governor Parson have no place in our exam room," McNicholas said.
She said, no matter what the federal judge decides, Planned Parenthood vows to continue standing with the individuals who are making the decision about pregnancy and parenthood.
Sauer declined comment until after the judge's ruling.
This story was originally published by Cynthia Newsome on KSHB.
