Even though the Missouri Supreme Court effectively reinstated the state’s abortion ban in a major ruling on Tuesday, the state’s highest court did not actually rule on abortion access itself.

At least for now.

The impact of the order was swift, placing Missouri in a precarious moment. While abortion rights remain enshrined in the state constitution, access is currently halted under what providers call a “de facto abortion ban.” Clinics began canceling abortion appointments within hours of the order.

But the state Supreme Court’s decision itself was largely procedural, a fact that has sparked hope among abortion rights advocates that access will ultimately be restored. Whether that happens — and how long it will take — remains unclear, legal experts told The Star.

“I don’t think a

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