Missouri is suing Planned Parenthood based on a conservative group’s sting video

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (AP) - Missouri’s attorney general filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing Planned Parenthood of illegally taking minors into Kansas to obtain abortions without parental consent, basing the allegation on a video from a conservative group, known as Project Veritas, for disseminating false information.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey claims Planned Parenthood Great Plains violated Missouri law, seeking to halt the alleged conduct. The lawsuit lacks evidence beyond the video, which depicts Planned Parenthood staff speaking with someone posing as a guardian of a fictitious 13-year-old seeking an abortion.

Planned Parenthood denies the allegations, stating they abide by state and federal laws, noting Kansas requires parental consent or court authorization for minors seeking abortions. Project Veritas has not responded to requests for comment.

Missouri enacted strict abortion laws after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision. Bailey aims to defund Planned Parenthood, vowing to end its operations in the state. The lawsuit seeks to prohibit Planned Parenthood from referring minors for abortions or providing assistance related to out-of-state procedures.

Democratic leaders view Bailey’s actions as potentially politically motivated, as he seeks election this year.

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