Judge denies motion by Planned Parenthood to dismiss trafficking lawsuit from Missouri AG

Missouri GOP Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced Tuesday evening that a judge has rejected a motion by Planned Parenthood to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the state that alleges a clinic traffics minors out of state to obtain abortions. 

"One step closer to eradicating Planned Parenthood from the State of Missouri," Bailey wrote on the social media platform, X.

In February of this year, Bailey filed the lawsuit against a Planned Parenthood chapter, alleging that it has been "trafficking minors" across state lines to get abortions without parental consent. 

The lawsuit accuses the Great Plains chapter of unlawful behavior, allegedly captured on camera, of staffers taking minors across state lines to get an abortion procedure without parental knowledge.

The video, taken by the activist group, Project Veritas, known for its undercover videos, allegedly showed a conversation between a Planned Parenthood employee and someone impersonating an individual seeking an abortion for a 13-year-old.

Chapter President and CEO Emily Wales says the group does not provide transportation for patients. 

“We will continue following state and federal laws and proudly providing Missourians with the compassionate sexual and reproductive care that remains available to them in a state with a total abortion ban,” she said, according to The Associated Press.