April 14, 2020

The Honorable Governor of Office of the Governor P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711-2428 Delivered via Email

Ken Paxton’s press release Re: Executive Order No. GA-09 relating to hospital capacity during the COVID-19 disaster

Dear Governor Abbott:

As leaders of these communities representing 9.4 million Texans, we’re writing with concern about Executive Order GA-09 relating to hospital capacity during the COVID-19 disaster.

Rather than following the original guidance of the Texas Medical Board, which had issued a tiered framework of care based on CDC guidelines, the order instead used language unvetted by the larger medical community. As a result, political opportunists and non-medically trained extremists, like Attorney General Ken Paxton, seized the opportunity to spread misinformation about Texans’ constitutionally-protected right to abortion care and the doctors who provide it.

Abortion is essential, time-sensitive health care that cannot be delayed without profound consequences.

The majority of Texas abortion providers are located in our communities and are a vital part of the reproductive health care infrastructure. Emergency actions during a global pandemic should advance health and safety for us all, not force people to delay much needed care and put them at greater risk.

Experts including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology agree that abortion is essential, ​ time-sensitive, and cannot be delayed. The groups note that delaying this care could ​ “profoundly impact a person’s life, health, and well-being.”

As it stands, the consequences to our communities are immense. Uninsured, low-income patients and people of color are already disproportionately impacted by Texas’ political mandates and are even more at risk during the current public health crisis. The majority of patients seen by Texas providers are already parents who are struggling to make ends meet, with many clients dealing with job loss and experiencing additional barriers to economic stability. Abortion is already extremely difficult to access for the people of Texas, and banning abortions exposes the most vulnerable Texans to additional hardship. During a public health crisis, abortion should be easier to access and medically unnecessary restrictions should be lifted.

As you have stated publicly during this crisis, local governments are best positioned to know what steps need to be taken in our communities to effectively control this outbreak. Because of the severe negative impact the banning of medically necessary health care has on our constituents, we urge you to ensure abortion procedures remain accessible during this time of crisis.

We respectfully ask that you and your appointed agency leadership follow the guidance of medical professionals, in order to protect Texans’ health and safety. Patients cannot wait until this pandemic is over to receive safe abortion care.

Sincerely,

Steve Adler Sylvester Turner Mayor of Austin Mayor of

Greg Casar Abbie Kamin Austin Council Member Houston City Council

Leslie Pool Sallie Alcorn Austin Council Member Houston City Council

Paige Ellis David Robinson Austin Council Member Houston City Council

Natasha Harper-Madison Rodney Ellis Austin Council Member Harris County Commissioner

Delia Garza Sarah Eckhardt Mayor Pro Tem Austin Travis County Judge

Omar Narvaez Jeffrey Travillion Dallas City Council Travis County Commissioner

Theresa Daniel Margaret Gómez Dallas County Commissioner Travis County Commissioner

Alex Annello Brigid Shea El Paso City Council Member Travis County Commissioner

Candice Quarles DeSoto City Council Member