{"id":220602,"date":"2020-03-24T16:50:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-24T21:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.liveaction.org\/news\/?p=220602"},"modified":"2020-04-16T14:47:15","modified_gmt":"2020-04-16T19:47:15","slug":"special-treatment-states-abortion-facilities-open-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.liveaction.org\/news\/special-treatment-states-abortion-facilities-open-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Special treatment: Some states keep abortion businesses open during pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The profitable abortion industry and its political allies are exploiting the COVID-19 crisis by carving out exceptions for abortion in published orders prohibiting non-essential and elective surgeries during the pandemic. Abortion is not an essential service; it kills human beings in the womb, the most vulnerable among us. Not only that, but there is a very real potential for complications<\/a> from surgical as well as chemical abortion<\/a>\u00a0(abortion pill), which will divert resources from those suffering from COVID-19 (coronavirus). Despite this, some state governors seem to be paying back abortion allies like Planned Parenthood, which tend to contribute heavily to\u00a0politicians who promote their pro-abortion agenda. Below are states who are giving the abortion industry a free pass during a time of worldwide crisis:<\/p>\n

Florida<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to a local media report<\/a> from March 27, 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis, is allowing abortions to continue under his order.<\/p>\n

An email from the state\u2019s Joint Information Center on COVID-19 to Jacksonville.com<\/a> reads, \u201cThis executive order allows for the delay of all non-urgent or non-emergency procedures or surgeries which, if delayed, do not place a patient\u2019s immediate health, safety or wellbeing at risk, or will, if delayed, not contribute to the worsening of a serious or life-threatening medical condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt this time and under regular circumstances, medical professionals are responsible for determining the urgency of surgeries and the impact procedures will have on patients\u2026.If the medical professional decides that the patient is in need of emergency surgery and\/or that delaying the procedure will be life-threatening to the patient, they should proceed as normal.\u201d The paper went on to quote from a PP statement<\/a>, rather than the order, \u201cUnder that order, Planned Parenthood can still continue providing essential procedures, including surgical abortion, and our health centers continue to offer other health care services that our patients depend on. Our doors remain open for this care.\u201d While this report indicates the state is giving abortion a pass, it does appear to suggest that the information is coming from PP – so Live Action News will continue to momitor.<\/p>\n

Massachusetts<\/strong><\/p>\n

Live Action News previously<\/a> documented how on March 15, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker\u00a0declared<\/a>\u00a0abortion to be exempted<\/a> from the state\u2019s \u201cnonessential\u201d health services category \u2014 therefore, considering it \u201cessential\u201d to continue during a pandemic. The abortion industry naturally has a financial self-interest in promoting abortion during a pandemic.<\/p>\n

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Mass carves out exception for abortion in COVID19 executive order (Image: Twitter)<\/p><\/div>\n

The order was made in\u00a0conjunction<\/a>\u00a0with an\u00a0emergency declaration<\/a>\u00a0issued by the governor, which\u00a0excludes<\/em>\u00a0abortion from being listed as a \u201cnonessential\u201d elective invasive procedure<\/strong>, stating, \u201cDPH defines nonessential, elective invasive procedures as procedures that are scheduled in advance because the procedure does not involve a medical emergency;\u00a0provided, however, that terminating a pregnancy is not considered a nonessential, elective invasive procedure for the\u00a0purpose of this guidance.<\/strong>\u00a0However, the ultimate decision is based on clinical judgement by the caring physician.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michigan<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to KTSM.com<\/a>, “Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan says Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer\u2019s order, issued Friday, to prohibit elective procedures does not extend to abortions. Whitmer supports abortion rights.” On March 25, 2020, the Lansing State Journal acknowledged<\/a> that abortions are still being committed.<\/p>\n

Right to Life of Michigan has issued a press release<\/a> calling for the governor to halt abortions. It reads in part, “Botched abortions can require follow-up surgical procedures or emergency room visits. Use of the abortion pill often results in complications such as excessive bleeding requiring visits to a doctor\u2019s office. Patients and staff inside abortion facilities increases the likelihood of coronavirus spreading from close contact.<\/span>”<\/p>\n

Minnesota<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Star Tribune report<\/a> from May 25, 2020, states that while “Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order Wednesday asking Minnesotans to stay in their homes unless absolutely necessary…\u00a0Walz specifically mentioned clinics providing reproductive healthcare as essential services allowed to stay open.”<\/p>\n

New Jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n

On March 23, 2020, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy published an order<\/a>\u00a0in which he —\u00a0a staunch supporter<\/a> of Planned Parenthood — included an exemption for abortion facilities. It states in part, “As part of the state\u2019s effort to preserve the capacity of the health care system to respond to COVID-19, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 109, directing the suspension of all elective surgeries and invasive procedures performed on adults that are scheduled to take place after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27. The Governor\u2019s Executive Order applies to all medical and dental operations that can be delayed without undue risk to the current or future health of the patient, as determined by the patient\u2019s physician or dentist.”<\/p>\n

In addition to the suspension outlined above, Governor Murphy\u2019s Executive Order also requires the following:<\/p>\n