Appeals Court rules medication abortions allowed in Texas during ban on non-essential medical procedures

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) –
Texas abortion providers can continue to offer pill-based abortions during a state order banning non-essential medical procedures, Freebeacon.com reports. The order, given by Texas governor Greg Abbott (R) on March 22, was issued in an effort to conserve hospital beds and medical supplies for coronavirus patients.

The outcome follows weeks of legal challenges that led to an emergency application to the Supreme Court on Saturday by abortion providers Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights. The clinics were asking to be allowed to continue giving medication abortions during ongoing challenges to the order. Following administrative decisions reportedly taken to free the Supreme Court for coronavirus related cases, the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Monday that medication abortions would be allowed to continue for the time being.

The abortion clinics have been required to refuse hundreds of pill-based abortions since the Governor’s order was implemented, Freebeacon reports. In their application to the Supreme Court, the clinics argued that delaying abortion increases health risks for pregnant women and can cause serious financial and emotional problems. The order is currently in effect until April 21, although it is likely to be extended.

According to Freebeacon, the state of Texas argued that vital Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used during pre-abortion appointments and medical staff must take time to conduct physical examinations and carry out ultrasounds. The state also said complications from pill-based abortions may result in women having to take up hospital beds that are needed for coronavirus patients.

In Monday’s written ruling the panel of three judges indicated that having an abortion by taking pills is not strictly a procedure and is not covered by the order.

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