Mississippi governor: Abortions must be canceled during coronavirus pandemic

Gov. Tate Reeves promised to take action against the state’s lone abortion clinic if it continues to provide abortions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Reeves has worked for years to limit and end abortion in Mississippi. He told reporters at a press conference Tuesday that he considers abortion an elective and unnecessary procedure.

The Mississippi Department of Health has ordered all elective medical procedures and non-essential medical visits to be postponed as health care providers prepare for what could be tidal wave of coronavirus cases.

To Reeves, that means abortions in Mississippi must end.

“We’re doing everything in our power, and have for many years, to make Mississippi the safest place in America for unborn children,” Reeves said.

The state’s top health official appeared less certain about the future of abortions in Mississippi.

“That’s something I was not familiar with,” said Dr. Thomas Dobbs, State Health Officer, during the Tuesday news conference with the governor. “And before I would make any comments, I think we have to review the situation a bit more.”

That did not stop Reeves from vowing “additional action” if the clinic in Jackson does not stop performing abortions.

When asked what that “action” might entail, Reeves did not offer specifics.

“We’ll take whatever action we need to to protect the not only the lives of unborn children, but also the lives of anyone who may contract this particular virus,” Reeves said. “... I don’t know any specifics, so I’m not saying they are currently operating. I just simply don’t know ... We’ll take whatever necessary actions.”

The Associated Press reported the clinic’s owner, Diane Derzis said on Monday that she considers abortion to be an essential health care service, not an elective one.

Laura Duran, president of Pro-Life Mississippi, an anti-abortion organization based in Jackson, claimed in a news release that sidewalk protesters report clinic workers “are packing people in their office and parking lot.”

“... We are concerned that individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 are being packed into an office without regard to social distancing,” Duran said in a statement.

Volunteers with the anti-abortion organization has filed complaints with the state health department, mayor of Jackson, governor and Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure, Duran said.

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