Beginning October 1st, a life-affirming state law will require the Planned Parenthood clinic in Columbia to stop performing abortions.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court for the Eighth Circuit overturned a ruling from 2017 that now allows the state to enforce existing laws on abortion regulations. Missouri state laws require all abortionists to have admitting privileges with a hospital for patients in case of emergencies during procedures. Clinics also have to meet health and safety guidelines as any other surgical facility.

In court, Planned Parenthood argued, “The Columbia health center has abortion procedures scheduled on October 3rd, 2018, so needs relief by that date in order to avoid cancelling patient appointments.” and “22 percent of women seeking an abortion at the Columbia center will be prevented entirely from exercising their constitutional right to choose, due to their inability to travel the long distance to obtain an abortion in St. Louis.”

This is a major victory for the pro-life movement. If one state gains the power to have its own voice and enforce laws against abortion, then hopefully other states will start making and enforcing their own, too.

This is also important for the health of women in the state of Missouri. This comes just months after the Kansas City center lost its abortion licence in August after months of very serious violations. The only facility that will be left performing abortions in Missouri is the St. Louis clinic. This clinic was labeled “the most dangerous abortion facility in the United States” because 65 patients have been admitted to the hospital after their abortion procedure. Hundreds of health and safety violations have also been recorded at the clinic.

Constant horrifying violations is just one reason why women should never place their health or the health of their preborn children into the hands of Planned Parenthood.

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