Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang previously struck down a number of “targeted regulation of abortion provider” statutes, but left state licensing requirements in place. Planned Parenthood argued the state licensing rules were an obstacle to providing abortions in Missouri.

A judge ruled the state's abortion clinic licensing requirements were ‘discriminatory,’ opening the door for providers to renew access to the procedure.

What appears to be the final hurdle for abortion proponents seems to have been cleared as a Missouri judge has cleared the state's abortion facility licensing requirements. According to the court, the requirement for an abortion care facility to obtain a state license is discriminatory.

A landmark decision upholds a recent vote to "enshrine" abortion in Missouri's constitution. This 12th & Oak ruling probably isn't the end of legal fight BUT paves the way to Missouri abortion clinics to reopen and now forces some of the more strident GOP elected officials to counteract and close but confirmed voter majority.

The decision to block Missouri’s abortion provider licensure requirements which made full access to care unattainable in the state is a huge step to realizing the promise of Missourians’ new constitutional right to reproductive freedom.