Federal Judges Block Attempts to Close Down Abortion Clinics amid Pandemic

Federal judges in Alabama and Ohio have blocked attempts to restrict abortions during the coronavirus pandemic.

By classing them “non-essential” medical procedures, the states’ sought to temporarily close down abortion clinics and prohibit terminations until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. In Alabama, the move was slapped down by District Court Judge Myron Thompson, who heard arguments via video link before postponing the ban until at least April 6. “The State’s interest in immediate enforcement of the March 27 order – a broad mandate aimed primarily at preventing large social gatherings – against abortion providers does not based on the current record, outweigh plaintiffs’ concerns,” the judge said, according to Politico.

In Ohio, a judge ruled that the state’s emergency orders are by definition unconstitutional if they prevent women from obtaining abortions. Judge Michael Barrett subsequently ordered a two-week restraining order on the ban, siding with abortion providers like Planned Parenthood who had launched a legal challenge against the state’s decision.

Despite a similar outcome for Texas earlier in the week, on Tuesday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the ban – introduced by Attorney General Ken Paxton – be reinstated. As per the court’s ruling, any abortions that are deemed “not medically necessary to preserve the life or health”…