Right By You v. State of Missouri (Missouri)

(Case No. 2516-CV13783)

This lawsuit challenges Missouri’s forced parental involvement requirements and a ban on supporting young people who need abortion care. The Lawyering Project filed the lawsuit in Missouri state court on behalf of Right By You (RBY) – the only youth-focused abortion access organization in Missouri – under Missouri’s recently enacted constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedom.

The challenged abortion restrictions violate Amendment 3, which Missouri voters approved in November 2024 to guarantee the right to reproductive freedom. The restrictions create significant and punitive barriers for young people—especially those in unsafe, unstable, or nontraditional living situations—and deprive young people of compassionate support from trusted adults and organizations.

Right By You is asking the Court to invalidate these restrictions to protect young people’s constitutional rights to make decisions about their own bodies and to access abortion care with support, safety, and dignity.

Plaintiffs:

Right By You

Defendants:

State of Missouri; Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey; Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Melesa Johnson on behalf of a Defendant class of all Missouri Prosecuting Attorneys

Co-counsel:

Ryan R. Agnew

Timeline and Key Documents:

October 7, 2025

State Court Dismisses Lawsuit Without Prejudice

July 7, 2025

Plaintiff Files (1) Reply in Support of Its Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Opposition to Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss (2) Reply in Support of Its Motion for Class Certification and (3) Opposition to Defendants’ Motion to Stay Proceedings