DHSS director fires Nixon as attorney in Planned Parenthood lawsuit

Citing a possible conflict of interest, Jane Drummond, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, notified Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon that he had been "terminated as the lawyer for her and the department in Planned Parenthood's lawsuit against pro-life legislation," a press release issued by the DHSS on Wednesday said.

In a letter, Drummond cited Nixon's pro-abortion record and close alliance with Planned Parenthood, including his receipt of financial and political support from the organization.

The letter said, "I write today to notify you that I have retained outside counsel, who has entered an appearance in the lawsuit filed against the Department of Health and Senior Services by Planned Parenthood. As you have been an outspoken supporter of abortion on demand and a political ally of Planned Parenthood who has accepted campaign contributions from this abortion provider, I did not believe I could trust you to defend me and my department vigorously. Planned Parenthood is suing me and my department over the recently enacted law, House Bill 1055."

Typically, the Attorney General's Office defends state departments in such cases.

Nixon's office responded with the following statement: "For the Attorney General's Office, this is about law, not politics. The legislature passed House Bill 1055, and as in the past, we will defend the law. We will certainly attempt to work with the Department of Health and Senior Services to make sure we have a coordinated, united defense."

Drummond also notified Nixon that she has secured pro bono counsel for her and the department in this suit.