It look's like you don't have Adobe Flash Player installed. Get it now.
The Missouri Supreme Court today upheld a law allowing parents to sue anyone who helps their underage daughter go out of state for an abortion without parental approval. Missy Shelton of member station KSMU reports.
The unanimous, unsigned decision will let parents bring a civil suit against anyone who transports a minor daughter out of state in an effort to get around Missouri's parental consent law for abortion.
Republican State Senator John Loudon sponsored the bill...KSMU was there when he first learned about the ruling.
Planned Parenthood argued that the law infringes on free speech rights because their employees could be sued for counseling underage clients who end up going out of state for an abortion...The court disagreed, saying the law does not necessarily open up to lawsuits agencies and individuals who provide abortion counseling.
Abortion rights supporters say this part of the ruling is a victory.
Democratic Senator Joan Bray of St Louis County.
Both sides found something they liked in the ruling. For abortion rights supporters, the affirmation that they can continue to offer abortion counseling to minors. For abortion opponents, the affirmation of parents' right to sue those who transport their child across state lines for an abortion without their consent.
