Massachusetts puts profit over public safety, allowing abortions to continue during pandemic

Despite the fact that abortion is an “elective” procedure — and one that ends an innocent human life — the abortion industry appears to have coordinated efforts with Massachusetts government officials to normalize abortion as an “essential” procedure (as opposed to “non-essential”) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-essential procedures have been temporarily suspended in the state; abortion, however, whether pre-scheduled or not, will be allowed to continue unabated. Public health seems to have taken a backseat to the abortion industry’s profits.

A National Abortion Federation (NAF) press release reads, “As states and municipalities enact measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, more non-essential businesses will be instructed—or required—to close. At the same time, hospitals are preparing for a surge in COVID-19 cases and increased strain on their staff, resources, and systems, and will likely begin indefinitely postponing non-essential or elective procedures. During this public health crisis, pregnancy care, including abortion care, remains an essential health service.” NAF then tweeted the same message to supporters: 

The Governor of Massachusetts followed suit, declaring abortion to be an essential service which must continue to be provided despite the potential spread of the Coronavirus. In response, NARAL released a statement applauding the governor for the move.

The order was made in conjunction with an emergency declaration issued by Governor Charles D. Baker, which states in part, “…[A]ll hospitals…and all ambulatory surgical centers… shall implement procedures… regarding the scheduling, cancelation [sic], and performance of non-essential elective invasive procedures….”

The guidance regarding the elective procedures order reads:

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) continues to work with state, federal and local partners on the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, and we continue to appreciate the essential role you have in responding to this evolving situation.

Pursuant to an Order issued by the Commissioner of Public Health, and to focus health care personnel resources on responding to this outbreak and conserve the critical shortage of personal protective equipment, all hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers are directed to postpone or cancel any nonessential, elective invasive procedures until the State of Emergency is terminated by the Governor, or until rescinded by the Commissioner of Public Health, whichever shall happen first.

DPH recommends that providers at each hospital or ambulatory surgical center use their clinical judgment on a case by case basis regarding any invasive procedures that must be done to preserve the patient’s life and health.  This does not apply to the cancelation or delay of life sustaining care.

The order then excludes abortion from being listed as a “nonessential” elective invasive procedure, stating, “DPH defines nonessential, elective invasive procedures as procedures that are scheduled in advance because the procedure does not involve a medical emergency; provided, however, that terminating a pregnancy is not considered a nonessential, elective invasive procedure for the purpose of this guidance.  However, the ultimate decision is based on clinical judgement by the caring physician.”

Live Action News previously documented how in Massachusetts, abortion is legal up to viability for any reason, but lawmakers there have proposed the “Roe Act,” which “would ensure abortion would be legal after 24 weeks for ‘all factors – physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the person’s age – relevant to the well-being of the patient.'” That means abortion would be legal up until birth for completely elective reasons.

According to National Review, abortion is already protected by the state constitution, and the “Roe Act” would move to enshrine it as a right. Abortion would also be protected as a right when a preborn child is said to be “incompatible with sustained life outside the uterus.”

Whether during a pandemic or not, there is nothing “essential” about poisoning or dismembering an innocent preborn child at any stage of gestation. Instead of proposing such violence, perhaps the state of Massachusetts should implement real solutions that support pregnant women and the children that they carry.

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