After Texas’ Governor Greg Abbott deemed abortion clinics non-essential, forcing them to close due to a pandemic, a federal judge overturned his ban, allowing for the death mills to continue operating. But today, a federal appeals court overturned the judges decision and making Texas an abortion-free state, at least for now.
The Hill reports:
A federal appeals court on Tuesday ruled that Texas can temporarily enforce a ban on abortions as part of its coronavirus response.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay on a ruling from a lower court that had blocked Texas from enforcing the ban. State officials argue the ban is intended to conserve medical supplies for health workers on the front lines of the coronavirus response. But abortion rights advocates say states are using the pandemic as an excuse to block access.
The article goes on to say:
In a 2-1 opinion, the appeals court ruled that the order from the lower court be stayed until an appeal from Texas is considered. The two judges who ruled in favor of a stay were nominated to their posts by President Trump and former President George W. Bush.
The temporary stay ordered this afternoon justly prioritizes supplies and personal protective equipment for the medical professionals in need,
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement Tuesday.
Circuit Court Judge James Dennis, a Clinton appointee, dissented, writing
a federal judge has already concluded that irreparable harm would flow from allowing the executive order to prohibit abortions during this critical time.
