Texas

Texas, Ohio Halt Abortion Clinics Amid Coronavirus

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office said in a statement that abortions were among procedures deemed "not immediately medically necessary"

In this file photo, the exterior of a Planned Parenthood Reproductive Health Services Center is seen on May 31, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri.
Michael Thomas/Getty Images

Texas on Monday ordered a halt on surgical abortion procedures because of the growing coronavirus epidemic, two days after officials in Ohio issued a similar order, NBC News reports.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office said in a statement said that abortion providers were among the licensed health care professionals and facilities that would have to cease procedures deemed "not immediately medically necessary" following an executive order issued Saturday by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $1,000 or 180 days in jail.

On Saturday, Ohio Attorney General David Yost sent a letter ordering two of the state's clinics to stop surgical abortions immediately to preserve personal protective equipment.

Read the full story on NBCNews.com

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