Numerous States Correctly Declare that Abortions are Non-Essential Medical Procedures But Planned Parenthood Is Going Rogue

Recently, we exposed how states like Massachusetts are mandating that abortions remain available as an essential medical service despite the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, to the delight of Planned Parenthood.

However, we are pleased to report that Ohio, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Maryland have declared that all non-essential surgeries should cease in order to focus on combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, including all elective abortions. The ACLJ believes this is the correct response given the magnitude of the pandemic and the lives that can be saved amidst this crisis. By applying these orders to elective surgeries across the board because of the emergency, these states are maintaining a government neutrality that ensures that these policies are constitutional.

The orders bar surgeries other than those in which the patient faces an immediate risk for “serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient's physician.” Texas Governor Gregg Abbott concluded that this policy will better equip hospitals with the medical supplies that are essential to treat the virus and prevent its spread.

The CDC has noted that postponing elective procedures would allow personal protective equipment (PPEs) – such as masks, gowns, and respirators – that would have been used for those elective procedures to now be available for the medical personnel on the front lines in the battle against the Coronavirus.

Texas Right to Life revealed that “[t]he abortion industry has been consuming and hoarding medical supplies that are in desperate need around the state including masks, gloves, and other protective gear for medical professionals.”

Planned Parenthood is grasping at straws to find a counter-argument to further their pro-abortion agenda. Ohio’s Attorney General Dave Yost sent letters to Planned Parenthood ordering them to cease abortions because they violate the Department of Health’s Order. However, Planned Parenthood issued a statement that they will continue to perform abortions regardless of the order. Planned Parenthood is going rogue against the authorities and thwarting national and state guidelines in the face of a growing pandemic. It’s not only reckless, it’s wrong and should not be tolerated.

Under no circumstances should abortion be given a special pass to continue when other elective procedures are suspended due to a health crisis. It is time for Planned Parenthood, and all its illegalities, to stop and care more about those who are in need of emergency services. Thousands of lives are being lost by the day, and it is time for the pro-abortion agenda to be put on hold.

It is important to note that Maryland’s decision to end elective abortions comes on the heels of an ACLJ legal team submitting testimony to the state legislature in defense of unborn babies, which resulted in a pro-life victory where the state Senate pulled Bill 664 to amend the state Constitution to include a provision that would have granted a right to abortion.

Our work does not stop. And at the ACLJ, we will continue to monitor this situation and any litigation that develops as a result.

UPDATE: Even more states are joining the states discussed above (Ohio, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Maryland) in declaring that elective abortions be treated like other elective procedures during this pandemic and be halted. These new states include: Tennessee, Kentucky, Iowa, Oklahoma, Indiana, and West Virginia. We will continue to update this list. The killing of an innocent unborn baby is NOT an essential service.