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Abortion rights groups are accusing the attorney general of Ohio of using the coronavirus crisis to restrict abortion access after clinics in the state were sent letters this week faulting them for not complying with an order aimed at preserving a limited supply of surgical equipment and protective gear.
In a letter dated on Tuesday, Ohio's Department of Health ordered all non-essential surgical and elective procedures postponed so that protective equipment like masks and gowns can be reserved for doctors caring for coronavirus patients. Ohio has seen 174 coronavirus cases and three deaths.
https://www.npr.org/sections/corona...S&utm_campaign=nprblogscoronavirusliveupdates
I can certainly see restricting access to some medical procedures during this time. Some surgeries and procedures, even treatments intended to alleviate discomfort a person has been living with for a while, can probably wait for a few more months if someone's life or long-term health is not at risk. But carrying a pregnancy to term also consumes medical personnel and resources--gloves, gowns, masks, sterilization of equipment etc. for each pre-natal checkup--and possibly a lot if a pregnancy develops complications. And giving birth certainly does, though maybe they figure women will just have to give birth at home by the time an unwanted pregnancy comes to term). And anyway, if a woman has chosen to terminate a pregnancy, it's most definitely not something that can be postponed for months, or even weeks.
I'm rather suspicious these folks aren't really as concerned about conserving scarce medical resources as they are jumping at a convenient excuse to push their pro-birth agenda. It's pretty shameless, really. Waiting for other states to follow their lead here.