CARLTON W. REEVES TELEPHONE: [6131] 
DISTRICT JUDGE FAX: (601} 608?4149

April 11th, 2020
BY ECF

Re: Women?s Health Organization at al. a. Dohbs at al., No. 

Dear Counsel:
I hope this letter finds you well.

At the moment, it seems reasonable to expect plaintiffs to challenge the abortion restrictions in yesterday?s
Executive Order?, and that challenge will be brought within this case. Similar orders have had to be litigated in
Alabama, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas? and more may be on the horizon.

Before we go down that expensive and time-consuming path, I wanted to write and see if there was another
way forward.

The Alabama litigation is of particular interest. There, Judge Thompson initially entered a TRO enjoining
Alabama?s pandemic-related abortion restrictions. Upon receiving additional information from the State Health
Officer, however, he issued a clarifying Opinion and Order limiting the scope of the injunction. Saa Robinson a.
Marshall, No. 2:19-cv-365, Docket No. 111 (MD. Ala. Apr. 3, 2020). I appreciated so much Judge Thompson?s
point that we can abide by the Constitution and ?adapt to the exigent circumstances caused by the global
pandemic.? id. at 10.

Both sides will litigate to protect their clients? respective interests. I understand that. But if similar clarification
from our own State Health Officer could help us avoid all the litigation and upheaval our sister state has
experienced, then it might be in the best interest of the Mississippians we serve. And I know the talented and

committed attorneys on this case will make their best effort.

Sincerely,

?mmw

 

1 For anyr out?of?state readers, no, Governor Reeves and I are not related. Mississippi is small but not that small.