Missouri Could Become The Only US State Without An Abortion Clinic

Missouri could soon become the only U.S. state without an abortion provider. 

Planned Parenthood said in a statement Tuesday that it expects Missouri's Department of Health and Senior Services to refuse to renew Planned Parenthood's license and "block services at the state's last remaining health center that provides abortion" in coming days. 

The clinic said the health department won't renew the clinic's license unless doctors consent to what Planned Parenthood called "inappropriate interrogation, bordering on harassment." 

The move comes after weeks of back-and-forth between the clinic and the state health department. 

In response, Planned Parenthood officials filed a lawsuit on Tuesday with a state court so the clinic can "try to keep serving Missouri women." 

Last week, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed a bill into law that bans abortion after eight weeks into a pregnancy, except when there's a medical emergency. There are no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

On Wednesday, Parson said Missouri's health department conducted an inspection at Planned Parenthood's clinic and found "numerous violations of state laws and regulations." He said the department issued a statement of deficiencies to Planned Parenthood. 

"Planned Parenthood has had ample time, more than two months, to address the identified deficiencies and allow state officials to interview abortion doctors. Yet, up until 10 days ago, the state had not received Planned Parenthood's application for renewal. And for months during this process, Planned Parenthood has been reluctant to cooperate with health department officials, including withholding access to interviews of abortion doctors. These actions are unprecedented." 

Planned Parenthood's license is set to expire Friday.