Missouri's Last Abortion Clinic Can Remain Open, Judge Rules

ST. LOUIS, MO — Missouri's last and only abortion clinic will remain open, a judge ruled Friday afternoon, granting a temporary restraining order while he considers the merits of Planned Parenthood's lawsuit against the state.

The reproductive health care organization announced earlier this week that its St. Louis clinic might have to cease abortions Friday after the state refused to renew its license, citing "deficient practices." According to Planned Parenthood, the state has demanded to interview several of its doctors but hasn't told them what exactly those practices are or how they are deficient. The group challenged the state's decision in court, claiming Gov. Mike Parson is attempting to "weaponize" the state's health department to unlawfully ban abortion outright.

Earlier in May, the governor signed a bill banning abortion after 8 weeks — before many women know they're pregnant —with no exceptions for rape or incest. Parson has vowed to make Missouri "the most Pro-Life state in the country" and says he is "committed to standing up for those without a voice."

Watch: Planned Parenthood press conference on judge's ruling

On Thursday, abortion rights activists rallied near the Gateway arch before marching on the governor's St. Louis office at the Wainwright State Office Building. A handful of the protesters occupied the building's lobby for several hours, and more than a dozen were eventually led away in handcuffs. Hundreds more crowded the courtyard, chanting slogans and giving impromptu speeches via bullhorn.

The governor called a decision like the one handed down today "reckless" in a press conference earlier this week. "No judge should give special treatment to Planned Parenthood," he said, adding that the group should be able to meet the state's standards of health care regardless of the abortion issue.

Nevertheless, abortion rights advocates are celebrating the victory.

"This is a huge sigh of relief for the many patients who need access to safe, legal abortion in Missouri," Colleen McNicholas, a doctor at the St. Louis clinic, said in a statement. "The fight goes on. While temporary, we celebrate today, and tomorrow we go back to work to ensure access to abortion does not go dark at the last health center that provides abortion in Missouri. Planned Parenthood has served Missouri for more than 87 years and we aren't going anywhere. While Governor Parson abandoned our patients, we will not. Our doors are open today, our doors will be open tomorrow, and we will fight to make sure all patients continue to receive the care they need and deserve."

Just how long Planned Parenthood and its supporters will be celebrating, however, isn't clear. Another hearing is set for June 4.