Judges Put a Halt on Abortions in Texas

Abortions have been temporarily halted in Texas due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

Lower Court Overruled; Right to Life Win

The US Circuit Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit’s three-judge panel overruled a lower court decision that had previously blocked Texas’ ban on abortions, on grounds of ignoring judicial precedent and the constitutional authority reserved for the states in times of emergency.

The 5th Circuit further explained that there is no precedent that supports the exemption of abortion from temporary stays. Going from there, the lower court tried to create its own precedent in relation to the coronavirus outbreak, saying it does not merit an “outright ban” on abortions, which was knocked down by the 5th Circuit.

The three-judge panel’s decision serves as a “counter,” rolling back the authority that courts have been taking for themselves recently, seemingly ignoring state legislators and governors and trying to hoard power for themselves.

The 5th Circuit’s ruling could potentially affect future restrictions on the abortion subject, albeit in a limited way, however it shows that if Texas could determine that abortion is not necessary during a crisis, it could also do the same if everything were otherwise normal.

The battle raging on the topic of abortion is likely far from over, but with the 5th Circuit’s decision, this marks a big win for the right to life temporarily as this matter now is elevated to the Supreme Court of the United States.