Opinion ID: 1683707
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: introduction

Text: Section 188.039, RSMo Supp.2003, creates an informed consent requirement including a 24-hour waiting period before elective abortions may be performed in Missouri. Planned Parenthood argues that the act is unconstitutional for vagueness. Planned Parenthood also argues that the 24-hour waiting provision violates rights of liberty and privacy under the Missouri Constitution. All of Planned Parenthood's federal claims have been reserved for adjudication in federal court. This case only concerns Planned Parenthood's facial claims under the Missouri Constitution. Planned Parenthood filed this action in the Circuit Court of Boone County against the Missouri Attorney General's Office, the Office of the Circuit Attorney for the City of St. Louis, and the Boone County Counselor. The trial court granted summary judgment finding that there was no constitutional violation. The trial court's order stated, in relevant part: The terms of section 188.039, RSMo Cum.Supp.2003, are not impermissibly vague; ... A knowing violation of section 188.039 RSMo is required to subject an individual to criminal prosecution and/or license revocation pursuant to sections 188.075 and 188.065 RSMo; [and] ... [t]he twenty-four hour waiting period to obtain an abortion does not violate the Missouri or United States Constitution. This Court has exclusive appellate jurisdiction over this case. Mo. Const. art. V, sec. 3. The judgment of the circuit court is affirmed.