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| Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) |
Many states have introduced mandates banning all "elective" or "non-essential" medical procedures until further notice. These bans were introduced both to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in these environments and to reduce demand for protective equipment used by physicians helping to fight the pandemic. State governments have conflicting opinions on whether elective abortion should is considered an "essential service," and several pro-abortion organizations have challenged orders temporarily banning elective abortions. These cases will likely continue being debated in federal courts over the next several weeks.
Wisconsin's ban is unique because it specifically exempts all "Healthcare and Public Health Operations" which the order says “shall be broadly construed.” Because of this, it seems as though abortionists, dentists, and even chiropractors in Wisconsin may not have to close their doors despite most businesses being required to do so. By taking this stance, Gov. Evers doesn't have to argue against claims that abortion providers are being given special treatment over healthcare businesses. However, all of these businesses are still being given special treatment over other businesses in general whenever they are allowed to continue doing business by providing non-essential services.
Why should abortion clinics be allowed to stay open when a florist is required to close? Neither provides an essential service. Abortion doesn't treat any disease. In edge cases when a mother's life is at risk, emergency delivery via induced labor or c-section is less risky because it is faster than preparing a woman for surgical abortion. By providing these exceptions, governors are simply picking which businesses will be winners and losers.
