Police security sought for Missouri abortion clinic hearing

ST. LOUIS -- Missouri officials are asking St. Louis police to provide security for an upcoming hearing on the state's effort to end the abortion license for a St. Louis clinic.

Both sides of the abortion issue have held vigils and protests over the licensing of Missouri's only abortion clinic, which continues to offer abortion services while the case is pending.

The next hearing is Oct. 28 at a state office building in downtown St. Louis. Administrative Hearing Commission staff attorney Ranada Vinyard told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch officials have been in contact with police because of the high-profile nature of the case.

Planned Parenthood has been battling the state for months to try and keep it open. The state has cited concerns that include "failed abortions" that required additional surgeries.