In an effort to protect patients and staff from exposure to COVID-19, and to conserve critical equipment and supplies, the U.S. Surgeon General and American College of Surgeons have recommended restrictions or eliminations on “elective” surgeries.
But abortion rights advocates fear this declaration may adversely impact abortion access.
A group of eight family and reproductive health groups—including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)—released a joint statement March 16 on the subject of elective surgeries, which reads:
“Obstetric and gynecologic procedures for which a delay will negatively affect patient health and safety should not be delayed. This includes gynecologic procedures and procedures related to pregnancy for which delay would harm patient health. …
