Supreme Court of Missouri / Feb 13, 2019
Mary Doe, Appellant, vs. Michael L. Parson, et al., Respondents.
Mary Doe appealed the circuit court's dismissal of her petition, which sought to enjoin portions of Missouri's informed consent law for abortions. She alleged that requirements to read a booklet containing statements about when life begins, have an ultrasound, and observe a 72-hour waiting period violated her rights under the Establishment Clause and the Missouri Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The Missouri Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal, holding that the informed consent law merely offers opportunities, rather than imposing requirements, and therefore did not restrict her religious exercise or constitute an establishment of religion.