Western Missouri appeals court judge issues ruling on reinstating state’s abortion ban

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KY3) – The Western District Court of Appeals in Missouri rejected efforts to reinstate the state’s abortion ban.

It affirmed a lower court’s injunction, blocking a ban on abortion care and other medical restrictions on abortion providers. Former Attorney General Andrew Bailey attempted to appeal the ruling made by a Jackson County judge, who argued the restrictions violated the state constitutional right to abortion approved by voters in November 2024.

The ACLU of Missouri, Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers-Missouri issued the following statement:

“The unanimous decision is a critical affirmation that patients can continue to access procedural abortions in Missouri. The court rejected this attempt by the Attorney General and is continuing to allow Missourians to exercise their constitutional right to access abortion care where they live. We will continue fighting for the full implementation of the Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative, including medication abortion.”

A challenge to the state’s ban on medication abortion and a request for a preliminary injunction is still pending in the Jackson County Circuit Court.

The original lawsuit was filed on behalf of Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers-Missouri, who are represented by attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, the American Civil Liberties Union, Crowell & Moring, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The case is currently slated for a two-week trial in January 2026.

Read the court’s full decision.

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