Federal Judge: Some Texas Abortions May Proceed During Pandemic

A federal judge in Austin says some abortions may still be performed in Texas during the coronavirus outbreak. Governor Greg Abbott ordered a halt to all nonessential surgeries, including abortion, in order to free up medical resources to fight the virus. U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel had ruled the move was unconstitutional, but the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals said this week that some constitutional rights may be restricted during an emergency. Yeakel ruled Thursday that abortions may proceed if they involve the "abortion pill," or if state gestational age limits would be reached while the order is in effect.

Photo: Getty Images


View Full Site