Missouri judge allows abortions to continue, for now

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge says the state's lone abortion clinic can continue performing abortions, at least in the near future.

St. Louis Circuit Judge Michael Stelzer on Monday ruled to extend a preliminary injunction he previously issued to allow a Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis to continue performing abortions through June 28.

He says the extension is intended to give the clinic time to bring a licensing dispute with the state before an administrative panel.

The health department on Friday declined to renew the clinic's license to perform abortions. Concerns included three "failed abortions" that required additional surgeries, and another that the agency said led to life-threatening complications.

Clinic leaders say the license fight is part of an effort by an anti-abortion administration to eliminate the procedure.