ST. LOUIS—Planned Parenthood Great Rivers performed the first local procedural abortion in nearly 3 years on Thursday at its Central West End location. 

The provider is able to perform the procedure after Missourians voted to overturn the near total ban on abortion in November.

“We are thrilled to begin offering procedural abortion once again in St. Louis,” said Margot Riphagen, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Rivers in a statement.  “Ever since Missourians declared their right to abortion in November, our medical and patient services teams have been working diligently to prepare to provide this essential health care.”

Officials say St. Louis-area locations provided resources to Planned Parenthood in Fairview Heights amid heightened restrictions, providing service to patients from more than 30 states. 

“While that work continues, we’re also thrilled to once again provide Missourians the abortion care they need, closer to home,” said Dr. Margaret Baum, interim Chief Medical Officer.