COLUMBIA — The ban on abortion in Missouri affected women all across the Show-Me State, but for some women, it hits closer to home.

Outpatient abortions at facilities like Planned Parenthood were outlawed after Roe v. Wade was overturned in the U.S. Missouri voters passed Amendment 3 in November, which restored abortion rights to the point of fetal viability, and abortions resumed in the state this week after a final hurdle to abortion access was lifted.

Brittany Fatoma, an educational and perinatal doula at the Mid-Missouri Black Doula Collective , said Planned Parenthood's resources are important for her organization.

“That was literally the only resource that we had, so it's really difficult navigating that when the one credible resource you had here wasn’t up and running," Fatoma said. "And I definitely think that impacted those seeking that care."

Fatoma helps guide women through the process of birthing and accessing and receiving abortions through the Black Doula Collective.

However, the ban on the procedure made her job challenging.

“As a person, I wouldn’t want anyone to make decisions that put themselves at harm — especially as it relates to their body and their choices — but as a doula, one of our main missions is to make sure people make informed decisions about their care and having access to that care,” Fatoma said.

Fatoma said the lack of information and uncertainty surrounding abortion care made it hard for her to guide her clients.

The Columbia Planned Parenthood location is set to begin providing abortions again within the next two weeks — a result of a lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed to restore abortion access after voters approved Amendment 3.

“It was a huge relief, after a few months of litigation, to be able to tell Missourians that our doors can reopen and abortion services will be reestablished,” said Emily Wales, Planned Parenthood Great Plains CEO and president. “We filed the suit the day after Amendment 3 passed. We were excited to restore abortion care, but it's taken a little bit of time, and yet here we are, ready to resume services closer to home for many Missourians.”

Although women can access abortion in Missouri again, Fatoma said there was uncertainty surrounding the procedure.

“Finding the resources and information was extremely difficult because the only source of information we really had that was strong and credible was Planned Parenthood,” Fatoma said.

Wales said despite abortions being able to resume, Planned Parenthood has had to work on finding the staff to accommodate the procedure.

“For us, primarily, we didn't have a heads-up about when the court would make a ruling, so we're excited to get it, but it means we've had to rearrange some of our physician schedules, make sure that staffing's covered, but we are excited to once again welcome patients back in mid-Missouri for abortion care,” Wales said.

With abortion services now available, Wales said Planned Parenthood will stress the safety of its patients.

“But for us, whether or not we have abortion care day-in or day-out, we are always being thoughtful,” Wales said. “We're always making sure staff are trained because we know that sexual and reproductive care and Planned Parenthood in particular, have been targeted in the past.”

Fatoma said she shares Wales’ excitement for the future of reproductive health in Missouri.

“I am grateful that Planned Parenthood is up and running because it provides an option for people if they choose abortion care to do it in a healthy way,” Fatoma said. “I think that’s really my concern as a doula, first as a person then as a doula.”