Physicians for Reproductive Freedom

As most of you know, Governor Abbott has been using the COVID-19 ban on non-essential surgical procedures to ban all types of pregnancy termination procedures except for those performed to save the life of the mother in the state of Texas. This ban was contested and on Tuesday, April 8th, an appeals court upheld Abbott's ruling that allows Texas to ban all types of abortions during coronavirus pandemic. Even after Governor Abbott loosened a ban on nonessential surgeries, he said Friday, April 17th that the loosening of a ban on nonessential surgeries does not include abortions except in the case of saving a woman's life.

The ban on nonessential surgeries was originally placed to preserve protective equipment and hospital beds for coronavirus patients. Texas now has ample hospital bed space and a strong supply chain of personal protective equipment. In fact, abortion procedures rarely require hospitalization or the use of extensive protective gear. Still, Attorney General Ken Paxton declared that Abbott’s first order applies to all abortions except those needed to protect the life or health of the woman. These restrictions prompted a lawsuit from abortion providers, who accused state officials of political opportunism and argued the procedure does not usually require hospitalization or extensive protective gear.

Physicians for Reproductive Health (PRH) is one group fighting the regulations Abbot and other states' governors have placed on termination procedures under the guise of the COVID-19 ban on non-essential procedures. These physician advocates have been working around the clock reporting from the frontlines of health care during the COVID-19 crisis. They’re doing everything they can to help protect access to essential care, including abortion care, at this critical time.

To hear more, join the PRH on Wednesday, May 20, at 7:30PM EDT, for a virtual event to hear directly from these frontline advocates and learn how you can be a part of this critical defense of reproductive health care. Registration is FREE. Register at https://e.givesmart.com/s/:pHBQcDO4gNa/e/heN/