Groups representing 30,000 physicians signed a letter called for the suspension of abortions in order to preserve medical resources critical to fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

The letter was published on Monday as officials reported greater numbers of those infected and the stock market continued to tank.

The letter was signed by five groups representing "physicians who practice according to the Hippocratic Oath," including:

The American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG)

The American College of Pediatricians

Christian Medical & Dental Associations

The Catholic Medical Association

The Association of American Physicians & Surgeons

The letter objected to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists classifying elective abortions as "essential healthcare" and made the case to suspend abortions.

"In such an uncertain and tumultuous time, the entire healthcare profession is being called upon to conserve resources and healthcare professionals to an extent never seen before," the letter read. "And yet, in the midst of this call, while hospitals are postponing elective procedures and many outpatient clinics are rescheduling non-essential office visits, the abortion industry continues with business as usual."

On Friday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost called on abortion clinics to "immediately stop performing non-essential and elective surgical abortions," but many indicated that they would defy the order and continue performing abortions despite the global pandemic.

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