DALLAS (KRLD) - US District Judge Lee Yeakel granted a temporary restraining order blocking the state of Texas from including abortion clinics under Governor Greg Abbott's executive order banning non-essential surgeries.
Yeakel ruled that the Supreme Court has spoken clearly about abortion being a constitutionally protected procedure. In his decision, the judge concluded that "there can be no outright ban on such a procedure."
Nancy Northup, the CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, claimed victory saying, "it's very clear from medical professionals that abortion is a time sensitive, essential healthcare that should continue during this crisis."
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has appealed the judge's decision to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Paxton released the following statement:
"Absolutely. We are deeply disappointed that the court ruled against the health and safety of Texans. Our office is seeking prompt appellate review to ensure that medical professionals on the front lines have the supplies and protective gear that they so desperately need. Our office will fight tirelessly against this politically driven lawsuit to protect the health of Texans suffering from this Covid19 crisis."
