[Washington Examiner] Despite a state-ordered closure of abortion clinics in Ohio, providers remained open for most of the past week until anti-abortion activists pointed out that the clinics had refused to close.On Saturday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost demanded the clinics be closed after being categorized as "nonessential procedures."
"You and your facility are ordered to immediately stop performing nonessential and elective surgical abortions. Nonessential surgical abortions are those that can be delayed without undue risk to the current or future health of a patient," Yost said. "If you or your facility do not immediately stop performing nonessential or elective surgical abortions in compliance with the (health director’s) order, the Department of Health will take all appropriate measures."
The statement came after activists recorded people entering and leaving abortion clinics in the state this week. A spokeswoman for one Ohio-area abortion clinic claimed the procedure is "an essential component of comprehensive healthcare."
In a letter sent to Ohio Planned Parenthood President Iris Harvey, a top state anti-abortion activist accused clinics of contributing to the spread of COVID-19.
"By performing surgical abortions, your company is putting the health and safety of all Ohioans in danger," wrote Ohio for Life President Michael Gonidakis. "Your current noncompliance will undoubtedly contribute to the spread of COVID-19 and put the lives of first responders, nurses, and doctors in danger."
Abortion has been a heavily debated topic in Ohio after Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed a controversial "heartbeat" bill into law in April 2019. The legislation outlaws abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, usually about five to six weeks into a pregnancy.