abortion debate 3/27

General is joining counterparts in other states...saying he wants abortions to stop during the coronavirus pandemic.

Republican daniel cameron is calling on clinics to close...saying they're violating the governor's order to stop elective procedures.

Abc 36's bobbi mcswine explains how the abortion debate in kentucky became part of the fight against coronavirus.

Abortion has always been up for debate in kentucky...but now, the coronavirus presents a new question also seen in ohio, missippi, and texas...should abortions be allowed to continue when other procedures are on pause to ensure the state has enough medical equipment?

We've issued an executive order to cease all elective medical procedures.

While i think there was some push back early on, i have seen everyone coming on board.

Friday, attorney general daniel cameron says that order from the governor is why abortions need to stop at the state's only two clinics...in louisville.

He says it's an elective procedure and a non-life sustaining business...all of which the governor has ordered an end to.

Family foundation executive director kent ostrander... says abortion clinics aren't above any other medical facilities.

It's as though abortion is more important than the virus.

So anyone who is questioning why we're raising it now, it should be turned around and ask why is the abortion clinic ignoring the governor's counsel, and all other medical clinics are obeying it.

Pro-choice supporters say it's not about trying to be the exemption...it's about responding quickly to a time sensitive matter...especially since the state bans abortions after 20 weeks.

A-c-l-u attorney heather gatnarek gat-ner-ik says even newly pregnant women run the risk of developing complications the longer they have to wait for an abortion.

We cannot, and absolutely should not, be forcing someone to remain pregnant and carry a pregnancy to term during this public health crisis.

So what does the governor think?

In his daily coronavirus briefing thursday he said focusing on abortion legislation during this pandemic isn't productive and only causes more concern for kentuckians.

Bobbi mcswine, abc 36 news.

##### the family foundation