Government
Abortion clinic that sought injunction against Missouri law closes
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 14, 2005
An abortion clinic in southern Missouri abruptly closed last month, ending its lawsuit challenging a new abortion law in the state.
Officials from Springfield Health Care Center called the facility's closure a board decision. They said it was not related to the new statute or the facility's lawsuit. The center had won a temporary injunction against the law, which would create civil liability for people who help minors get abortions without parental consent.
Two Planned Parenthood affiliates also filed a lawsuit challenging the law and won a temporary injunction. The organizations argued that the law would discourage teens from seeking help from trusted adults other than their parents.
The law requires physicians who are performing abortions to have privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where the procedure is performed.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/11/14/gvbf1114.htm.