States like Ohio and Texas have enacted orders to cease all non-essential surgeries.

NBC DFW highlights that these moves “have unleashed a new battle over access to abortions during the coronavirus pandemic.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide order on Sunday March 22, 2020 to limit the use of medical supplies hospitals will need as they plan for rising numbers infections resulting from the Wuhan virus. The order prevents hospitals from carrying out surgeries unless the patient experiences an immediate risk for “serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician.”

Trending: As Coronavirus Panic Spreads, Bill Gates Talks Up ‘Digital Certificates’ to Enforce Mandatory Vaccines

An Abbott spokesman revealed that this order would include abortion in most cases while the order is in effect until April 21.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed that the Wuhan virus pandemic has created an increased demand for hospital beds and personal protective equipment. By postponing elective surgeries, beds can now be available for Wuhan virus patients.

“We must work together as Texans to stop the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that our health care professionals and facilities have all the resources they need to fight the virus at this time,” asserted Paxton. “No one is exempt from the governor’s executive order on medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures, including abortion providers. Those who violate the governor’s order will be met with the full force of the law.”

Paxton said on Monday afternoon that anyone who fails to abide with the governor’s executive order faces fines up to $1,000 or 180 days in jail.

Texas pro-life activists praised the move during the Wuhan virus crisis.

“The abortion industry has been consuming and hoarding medical supplies that are in desperate need around the state including masks, gloves, and other protective gear for medical professionals,” Texas Right to Life remarked in a statement Monday.

Republican Attorney General Dave Yost sent letters to Ohio clinics on Friday, March 20, 2020 ordering them to stop all “non-essential” surgical abortions. Yost wrote that the procedures are in violation of a March 17 order enacted by the state health director.

Clinics, pro-baby killing groups, and some state elected officials criticized this move, claiming that abortions are both essential and time-sensitive.

“During an emergency, there is always a chance of government overreach under the guise of `security’ or adherence to `law and order,'” the Ohio Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus declared in a statement. “In times of national crisis, we have seen egregious acts that have circumvented our freedoms before. And make no mistake – we are seeing them today.”