ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis judge on Tuesday heard arguments from Planned Parenthood and the state of Missouri over legal technicalities regarding the Central West End abortion clinic’s license, but delayed hearing the merits of the case until 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Circuit Judge Michael Stelzer said “the only issue that is ripe for adjudication” is Planned Parenthood’s request for a preliminary injunction on its claim that the state’s license renewal regulations are at odds with the state constitution.

He also quashed subpoenas filed by the state to compel four doctors to testify in the case. Lawyers for the doctors had shown “that compliance with the subpoenas would present an undue burden and hardship” on the doctors.

Stelzer opened Tuesday morning’s hearing by noting “misinformation” about what he had been asked to decide — a licensing issue, not the legality of abortion in Missouri.

“The recent changes to the law in Missouri are not in front of this court,” Stelzer said.