Unclear Whether Gov. Holcomb Wants Abortions Halted Under Executive Order

Planned Parenthood says it will continue providing abortion services in Indiana under Gov. Eric Holcomb’s executive order banning elective surgical procedures.

It’s unclear whether Holcomb wants to halt abortions.

Holcomb’s order requires all health care facilities to postpone or cancel elective, non-urgent surgical or invasive procedures during the COVID-19 crisis, unless doing so would risk the patient’s health, as determined by their doctor.

“Any and all medical expertise and [personal protective equipment] first needs to go toward – during this window – toward defeating COVID-19,” Holcomb says.

READ MORE: Can I Go For A Walk? Here's What A 'Stay-At-Home' Order Really Does

LEE MAS: ¿Qué Necesita Saber Acerca Del Coronavirus? Tenemos Respuestas.

Asked directly whether that means abortions shouldn’t be performed, Holcomb repeated the words of his executive order.

In a statement, Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky said medical experts deem abortion services “essential” and it will continue providing that care. Planned Parenthood adds it too is conserving resources to help the COVID response.

The ACLU of Indiana – which has helped halt several state anti-abortion laws in recent years – said in a statement it believes abortion providers will ensure women can access abortions while also complying with Holcomb's executive order.

Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.