- The Iona Institute - https://ionainstitute.ie -

Elective-abortions deemed non-essential in some US States

Elective-abortions have been included in bans on non-essential medical procedures [1] in numerous US States including Texas, Ohio and Mississippi. Ireland has gone the other way, introducing a temporary measure to allow women to obtain the abortion pill without physically seeing a doctor.
The bans in parts of America have been introduced to save essential medical supplies such as protective personal equipment for doctors and nurses on the frontline of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Pro-abortion groups, however, have claimed the pandemic is being used as an excuse to implement pro-life policies.

Texas included a ban on abortions except where a woman’s life or health are at risk [2]. Pro-abortion groups have nonetheless taken a court case to overturn the order. In response, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said “It is unconscionable that abortion providers are fighting against the health of Texans and withholding desperately needed supplies and personal protective equipment in favor of a procedure that they refer to as a ‘choice’.”

“My office will tirelessly defend Governor Abbott’s Order to ensure that necessary supplies reach the medical professionals combating this national health crisis,” he said.

There are over 1,200 cases of coronavirus in Texas, and at least a dozen people have died.