ST. LOUIS (AP) – The fate of Missouri’s only abortion clinic is at stake
starting Monday, when a member of the state’s Administrative Hearing Commission
will begin hearing arguments over whether the clinic can keep its abortion
license.
The hearing at a downtown St. Louis state office building is expected to last
five days and a ruling isn’t expected until February at the earliest. Missouri
officials have asked St. Louis police for heightened security since the
licensing issue has generated protests from those on both sides of the debate.
Planned Parenthood has been battling Missouri’s health department for months
to try and keep open its St. Louis clinic. The state has refused to renew its
license to perform abortions, citing concerns that include failed abortions.
Planned Parenthood officials say the state is “weaponizing” the licensing
process.
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