Missouri Planned Parenthood seeks to expand abortion access

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Planned Parenthood officials in Missouri want a federal judge to block abortion regulations so four additional clinics can offer the procedure.

The presidents and CEOs of Missouri's Planned Parenthood centers said Monday they've requested some regulations be put on hold during a court case over the constitutionality of the laws.

Laura McQuade and Mary Kogut said Planned Parenthood plans to offer drug-induced and surgical abortions in Columbia and Springfield if regulations are blocked temporarily.

They said drug-induced abortions also would be offered in Joplin and Kansas City.

Missouri's only abortion clinic is in St. Louis.

The U.S. Supreme Court in June ruled similar Texas regulations were unconstitutional.

Anti-abortion activist Joanne Schrader said later Monday outside Columbia's Planned Parenthood clinic the lawsuit shows disregard for Missouri women's health.