Texas Has Banned Abortions During The Coronavirus Outbreak

[Celerity]

Abortion providers argue that the procedure is “essential health care” and should remain available during the COVID-19 outbreak.

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/emaoconnor/texas-abortion-ban-coronavirus-outbreak

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ordered a ban on abortions in the state unless the life of the mother is threatened. The order came on Monday, a day after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said abortion did not qualify as “essential” care and ordered any scheduled procedures to be postponed amid the coronavirus outbreak.

“No one is exempt from the governor’s executive order on medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures, including abortion providers,” a statement from Paxton's office read. “Those who violate the governor’s order will be met with the full force of the law.” The order will expire April 21, but before then any medical worker providing abortion care can be fined $1,000 or face jail time of up to 180 days.

Paxton and Abbott are following in the footsteps of Ohio. On March 17, Ohio’s governor ordered the cancellation of all nonessential medical procedures; over the weekend, Ohio’s deputy attorney general, Jonathan Fulkerson, sent letters to several abortion clinics in the state, accusing them of being in violation of the order.

In Maryland, an order was slightly less clear. In a press conference about the state order suspending nonessential businesses and procedures Monday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan appeared to tell a reporter he considered abortion a nonessential service. Hogan’s office did not immediately respond to BuzzFeed News’ request for clarification on the issue.

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Link to tweet

[hangaleft]

1. Disgraceful.

[IggleDuer]

2. TX politicians should encourage more abortions ...

... just to help out the economy.

[OnDoutside]

3. Dan Patrick is positively encouraging the CV euthanasia of Old and Ill people, so there's that.

[Alliepoo]

4. Ohio, too.

DeWine tap danced around questioning about it yesterday at his presser. Kept saying he wouldn’t comment on something the attorney general is pursuing. They will even use a pandemic to take away women’s constitutional rights. Can’t believe this will be allowed to stand.

[Celerity]

5. yes, that is right there in the OP, Maryland too

[Lars39]

6. We don't even know the long-term affects on the fetus

by this virus.