States, courts, and advocates clash over abortion access
PUBLISHED Jan 12, 2026, 6:26 AM ET
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Columbia, S.C. Republican lawmakers and groups announced and debated new abortion restrictions while courts and voters shaped access across several states. In South Carolina, legislators announced a 'sweeping' restriction and bill stalled in a November subcommittee vote. In Missouri, Planned Parenthood sued after Amendment 3 passed, triggering trials and legal maneuvers including a May 2025 legislative repeal effort and a state supreme court decision. In Ohio, an appeals court sent parts of a 2019 abortion-law lawsuit back to trial court. In Arizona, closing arguments recently challenged waiting periods and telemedicine bans. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By Najma A. | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2019: Ohio enacted Senate Bill 23, creating a near-total abortion-ban framework.
- November 2024: Missouri voters approved Amendment 3 to restore abortion rights.
- December 2024: Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang temporarily blocked enforcement of Missouri restrictions.
- May 2025: Missouri General Assembly approved HJR 73 and the Missouri Supreme Court overruled Judge Zhang’s injunction.
- Early 2026: Appeals court actions, Arizona closing arguments, and a South Carolina press conference renewed legislative and legal contests.
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States, courts, and advocates clash over abortion access
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