ST. LOUIS (KMOX/AP) — St. Louis Circuit Judge Michael Stelzer ruled Tuesday that testimony from non-staff doctors at Missouri’s only abortion clinic will not be necessary for a hearing that will determine if the clinic can remain open.
Stelzer also agreed to throw out subpoenas for four doctors who worked briefly at the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis during their training. Stelzer’s ruling also set a hearing for Wednesday to consider Planned Parenthood’s request for a preliminary injunction to stop the state from forcing the clinic to close.
Stelzer, citing the limited scope of the upcoming hearing, said the doctors’ testimony “will not be relevant.” He said the subpoenas “would present an undue burden and hardship” on the non-staff doctors.
Messages seeking comment from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and a spokeswoman for Republican Gov. Mike Parson were not immediately returned.
The ruling is the latest in a legal fight over the facility’s abortion license.
Last week, an attorney for the state told the judge there were problems in patient care at the Central West End clinic citing concerns about patient safety, including “failed abortions” and legal violations. On Friday, Stelzer granted a four-day temporary restraining order, preventing the abortion clinic's license from expiring while it battles with the state health department over alleged "deficiencies."