Missouri has implemented new abortion rules, including a provider requirement, according to Reuters.
Here are five things to know.
1. Missouri lawmakers passed the new rules in July, and they took effect early this week.
2. Part of the new rules is a provider requirement. This requirement means the physician performing the abortion — and not a different provider as previously allowed — must give their patient abortion risk information in person at least 72 hours before the procedure, according to the report.
3. Planned Parenthood Great Plains had challenged the provider requirement by arguing it makes access to abortion services more difficult for women. Some patients must travel significant distances to reach an abortion clinic; requiring patients make the trip twice in three days may be restrictive. But Reuters reports Judge S. Margene Burnett with the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, ruled Monday not to stop the requirement.
4. Bonyen Lee-Gilmore, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, told the publication, "This is about making it as difficult as possible to obtain an abortion. Abortion access is chipped away one seemingly moderate restriction at a time."
5. But Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley spoke in favor of the law. In a statement, he said, "SB5 enacts sensible regulations that protect the health of women in Missouri and we will continue to vigorously defend these."
For the full report, including more about Missouri's recently implemented abortion rules, click here.