By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Jay Nixon says he will appeal a ruling requiring Missouri to transport prisoners to abortion clinics.
Federal Judge Dean Whipple ruled last month that the state must allow pregnant inmates to have abortions if they choose, and must transport them to a place where they can have the procedure.
The ruling overturned a Department of Corrections policy against providing transportation and guards for inmates wanting abortions, unless the inmates' life or health was endangered.
Nixon's officed filed a notice of appeal today. A spokesman says the attorney general will rely on a state law prohibiting public money and employees from being used to facilitate abortions.