CNA Staff, Apr 8, 2020 / 08:30 am
A Texas state restriction of abortions during the coronavirus pandemic was upheld by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday.
A three-judge panel for the Fifth Circuit Court ruled in a 2-1 decision that Texas has the authority to halt elective abortions as non-essential medical procedures during a public health emergency.
Citing precedent, the court said that "the pressure of great dangers" constitutional law "allows the state to restrict, for example, one's right to peaceably assemble, to publicly worship, to travel, and even to leave one's home. The right to abortion is no exception."
On March 31, the court had ruled in the state's favor, putting a temporary stay on a lower court's decision that halted Texas' order from going into effect, and considering the matter further.