Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Access To Abortion Shrinks Further As More States Halt The Procedure During Pandemic
Houston Chronicle: Texas Abortion Ban Is Biggest-Ever Disruption For Embattled Women’s Health Providers
State officials and anti-abortion advocates have said the move will free up hospital beds and medical supplies needed to fight the outbreak. The restriction will “save lives,” Attorney General Ken Paxton — who issued the directive following an executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott — told supporters on Wednesday. For providers, though, the week has been especially jarring, even for those who have worked in the field for decades. (Blackman, 3/27)
The Oklahoman: Gov. Kevin Stitt Says Abortions Included In Suspended Elective Surgeries
Abortion procedures, unless deemed a medical emergency or "necessary to prevent serious health risks to the unborn child's mother" are included in Gov. Kevin Stitt's order suspending elective surgeries. The executive order Stitt reissued Tuesday includes abortions, routine dermatological, ophthalmological, dental procedures and orthopedic surgeries as elective procedures that cannot be performed at this time, the governor's office clarified on Friday (Sharp and Forman, 3/27)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Anti-Abortion Activists Want Georgia To Halt Procedure During Pandemic
Anti-abortion activists have started a petition asking Gov. Brian Kemp to halt the procedure while the state seeks to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus. Georgia Right To Life launched an online petition urging supporters to call Kemp and Attorney General Chris Carr and asking them to halt abortion services. (Prabhu, 3/27)
