Last week, we asked pro-life citizens to make calls and voice their concern to the Governor and Attorney General about abortions being treated the same as every other elective procedure during the COVID-19 crisis.
A few days later the Governor released an updated health order that clearly defined which elective “dental, medical, or surgical procedures” are allowed during this time, and which are not:
7. Effective March 28, 2020 at 5:00 P.M., all dental, medical, or surgical procedures shall be postponed until further notice, subject to the following exceptions:
a. Dental, medical, or surgical procedures necessary to treat an emergency medical condition. For purposes of this order, “emergency medical condition” is defined as a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain, psychiatric disturbances, and/or symptoms of substance abuse) such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected by a person’s licensed medical provider to result in placing the health of the person in serious jeopardy or causing serious impairment to bodily functions or serious dysfunction of bodily organs.
b. Dental, medical, or surgical procedures necessary to avoid serious harm from an underlying condition or disease, or necessary as part of a patient’s ongoing and active treatment.
Abortion clinics immediately went on the defensive, complaining that they should be exempt, outraged at being forced to cancel appointments, and filing for an emergency injunction from a federal judge.
Last night, Judge Myron Thompson, defender of all things abortion in Alabama, granted an injunction that will last until April 13 at 5 PM. This gives Alabama abortion clinics two more weeks to continue performing abortions while also using up vital personal protective gear and medical supplies.
During this two week time frame, the office of the Attorney General will also prepare its response for the court. Before the injunction was granted, Attorney General Steve Marshall released an official statement which reiterated that abortion clinics do not warrant special treatment during this time of crisis. He stated:
At a time when all Americans are making significant sacrifices to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it is remarkable that one class of providers demands to be treated differently than all others. Abortion clinics want an exemption, yet they are by no means exempt from the known risks of spreading the virus in crowded waiting rooms, depleting scarce personal protective equipment that should be reserved for those treating the virus, and transferring patients with complications to already overburdened hospitals.
AG Marshall also announced that Alabama “joined amicus briefs to support the states of Texas and Ohio as they face legal challenges similar to the one being brought against [our state].”
So what can we, as citizens, do to help?
First off, pray, pray, PRAY. Let’s continue to thank the Lord for the lives that have been saved already — many appointments were cancelled yesterday! Let’s also continue to pray for His merciful hand to push back the violence of abortion through His church and through governments. May He give these leaders courage and wisdom, and foil the plans of the enemy!
Second, make one more call to the Governor and Attorney General to thank them for hearing citizens and holding these clinics to the same standard as every other facility. Tell them Alabama citizens are with them and praying for them!
Important: We know both of these offices are extremely busy right now, so please keep your calls and emails brief. Express your thanks and then let them get back to work.
Here is the contact info for the Governor:
GOVERNOR KAY IVEY
Office: 334.242.7100
To email her office, click here. (Contact form)
Here is the contact info for the Attorney General:
ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL
Office: 334.242.7300
To email his office, click here. (Contact form)