Anti-abortion groups in Michigan are asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare abortion procedures “non-essential” under the state’s stay-at-home order to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

On Wednesday, Right to Life of Michigan and the Michigan Heartbeat Coalition called on Whitmer, a Democrat who is supportive of abortion rights, to classify abortions as an elective procedure under the state’s executive order prohibiting most in-person work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Some Republican-led states have asked abortion providers to cease operation, citing stay-at-home orders. In Ohio, the Attorney General’s office sent letters to abortion clinics ordering them to “immediately stop performing non-essential and elective surgical abortions.”

Kelly Rossman-McKinney, spokesperson for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, said in Michigan, “we won’t dictate services physicians choose to perform and we won’t interfere with the doctor/patient relationship."

Related: Ohio Attorney General sends letters to 2 abortion clinics, telling them to stop all non-essential procedures

Whitmer’s stay-at-home order includes exemptions for health care providers, and allows individuals to leave their homes to secure medication “or to seek medical or dental care that is necessary to address a medical emergency or to preserve the health and safety of a household or family member.”

Anti-abortion groups in Michigan argued Wednesday abortion procedures shouldn’t be included in that definition, noting abortion procedures require personal protection equipment and that close contact between patients and staff could contribute to the spread of COVID-19.

“We’re seeing a pattern of pro-abortion elected officials putting ideology first, and people at risk of the coronavirus second," Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said.

"Why should abortion facilities get to be above the law?” she later continued.

Michigan Heartbeat Coalition President Corey Shankleton said abortions are not necessary to sustain or protect human life: “Elective procedures have been banned by Governor Whitmer and this needs to apply to abortions."

Planned Parenthood locations in Michigan are abiding by Whitmer’s executive order and have had additional precautions in place for weeks, including screening staff and patients for coronavirus symptoms, rescheduling people who are symptomatic or have been exposed and making social distancing mandatory for staff and patients in waiting rooms, said Angela Vasquez-Giroux, director of communications for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

The governor’s orders were clear on what is considered essential - pregnancy care is essential," Vasquez-Giroux said. “We continue to give our patients the care they depend on us for.”

In response to the Ohio Attorney General’s demand, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region said on Twitter abortion is “an essential and time-sensitive medical procedure” that needs to remain available during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Delays or additional barriers to care can make it more difficult or even impossible for patients to access safe, legal abortion,” the tweet read.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

Complete coverage of coronavirus in Michigan.

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