DAVID CRARY, JIM VERTUNO and JULIE CARR SMYTH
Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The governor and attorney general of Texas are moving to ban most abortions in the state during the coronavirus outbreak, declaring they don't qualify as essential surgeries.
Attorney General Ken Paxton said Monday that the order issued over the weekend by Gov. Greg Abbott barred "any type of abortion that is not medically necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother."
Failure to comply with the order can result in penalties of up to $1,000 or 180 days of jail time, Paxton said.
"No one is exempt from the governor's executive order on medically unnecessary surgeries and procedures, including abortion providers," Paxton said. "Those who violate the governor's order will be met with the full
