Missouri Revised Statutes Title XXXVI. Statutory Actions and Torts § 532.210. Prisoner may not be returned with writ, when

Whenever, from the sickness or other infirmity of the person directed to be produced by any writ of habeas corpus, such person cannot, without danger, be brought before the court before whom the writ is returnable, the person in whose custody he is may state the fact in his return, verifying the same by his oath; and such court, if satisfied of the truth of such allegation, and the return be otherwise sufficient, shall proceed thereon, and dispose of the matter in the same manner as if the prisoner were brought before him, except as in section 532.220 provided.