Missouri health director kept spreadsheet of Planned Parenthood patients’ periods

Government Overreach and Women's Health

The exterior of a Planned Parenthood Reproductive Health Services Center is seen on May 28, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. In the wake of Missouri recent controversial abortion legislation, the states’ last abortion clinic is being forced to close by the end of the week unless Planned Parenthood’s court case succeeds. (Photo: Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)

In a revelation Tuesday that Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri described as “deeply disturbing,” the state health director Dr. Randall Williams testified at an administrative commission hearing that he kept a spreadsheet to track Planned Parenthood patients’ menstrual periods. The spreadsheet, which was made at Williams’ request by the state’s main inspector, helped to identify patients who had undergone failed abortions.

Williams’ testimony came as part of a contentious legal battle over the Missouri Health Department’s refusal to renew the license for Planned Parenthood’s clinic in St. Louis, which is the state’s last remaining abortion care provider.

Read more: Kansas City Star ; additionally Common Dreams

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