The Role of the Coronavirus Pandemic in State-Level Abortion Restrictions

In response to COVID-19, many state governments chose halt elective or nonessential procedures free up personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline medical workers. To help guide and inform health policies, an emerging body of literature developed which contextualized the role abortions as time-sensitive, essential procedures. Despite this, Texas, Indiana, Iowa issued executive orders restricting procedures, included among services being banned. This content analysis analyzed subsequent communications from officials in all three states identify rhetorical patterns language that was used connect coronavirus pandemic abortion care. The major themes emerged were expansion gubernatorial powers due declaration emergency, connecting PPE shortages, classifying “elective” differentiating surgical abortions, purposeful avoidance actual term “abortion.” findings indicate governors each these COVID-19 further restrict access, they able use rhetoric create a distinct narrative justify their policies.