Ohio Abortion Providers Say They Will Defy State Shutdown Order

Abortion providers in Ohio are defying a state mandate to cease abortion procedures in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, claiming their services are "essential health care."

The decision to continue providing abortions comes as states are adopting strict lockdown operations to combat the spread of the virus. The defiance could bring the clinics into legal conflict with the state government.

At least five of the state's six abortion providers will defy the order. The state attorney general's office said it is considering pursuing legal action against the clinics if they continue their refusal to comply with the shutdown.

A Cleveland abortion clinic told the Daily Caller it will not cooperate with the order from the state government. Ohio Planned Parenthood representatives told CBS News their priority is "ensuring that every person can continue accessing essential health care, including abortion."

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