• Missouri appeals court ruled Planned Parenthood Great Rivers must provide documents related to gender-affirming care to the state Attorney General.
• The court determined that the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act allows the attorney general to investigate deceptive medical practices, and HIPAA doesn't prevent the release of de-identified records.
• Planned Parenthood Great Rivers expresses disappointment and evaluates further action, emphasizing commitment to patient privacy and care.

The Missouri Court of Appeals has ruled that Planned Parenthood Great Rivers must comply with a civil investigative demand from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to provide records related to gender-affirming care for minors. This decision stems from Bailey's investigation into the use of cross-sex hormones, puberty blockers, and gender-transition surgeries for minors, initiated in March 2023. The court's ruling clarifies that the state's consumer protection law applies and HIPAA does not shield de-identified medical records from disclosure. Planned Parenthood is evaluating its options in response to the ruling.

• What: A Missouri appeals court has ordered Planned Parenthood Great Rivers to turn over documents related to gender-affirming care for minors to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.
• Who: Key individuals include Judge Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey, Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Matthew Eddy (Planned Parenthood's attorney), and Margot Riphagen (president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers). Organizations involved are Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, Missouri Court of Appeals, and the Missouri Attorney General's Office.
• When: The ruling was issued on Tuesday, May 7, 2025 (according to Bloomberg Law) or May 7, 2025 at 11:14 AM CDT (according to STLPR). The investigation began in March 2023.
• Where: The case is centered in Missouri, specifically involving Planned Parenthood clinics in St. Louis and southwest Missouri, and the Missouri Court of Appeals in the Eastern District.

The court's decision allows Attorney General Bailey to continue his investigation into gender-affirming care for minors in Missouri. The ruling clarifies the scope of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act and its interaction with HIPAA. The case highlights the ongoing legal and political debate surrounding gender-affirming care, patient privacy, and the extent of government oversight in healthcare. The differing legal interpretations and the planned further evaluation by Planned Parenthood indicate the likelihood of continued legal challenges and political engagement on this issue.

While we are disappointed with the court’s decision, we are evaluating our next steps as this is just another political attack against the bodily autonomy and rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming Missourians. As a trusted health care provider, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers will continue to support our gender affirming care patients across the St. Louis region and Missouri Ozarks while ensuring our patients’ health information remains secure and protected.

Crucially, a blanket HIPAA-based objection does not make the CID unenforceable. As the burden is on (Planned Parenthood Great Rivers) as the covered entity to comply with HIPAA when responding to subpoenas.

The Missouri Court of Appeals ruling that Planned Parenthood must release records related to gender-affirming care to the Attorney General marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over transgender healthcare and patient privacy. While the court has sided with the Attorney General's right to investigate, Planned Parenthood expresses concerns over patient privacy and considers further legal action. The long-term impact of this decision on access to gender-affirming care in Missouri remains to be seen, but the legal and political battles surrounding this issue are likely to continue.