Policy Order O-13

WHEREAS: On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a historic and landmark decision, ruled in Roe v. Wade that the US Constitution safeguards a woman's right to make her own personal medical decisions on when or whether to have children; and

WHEREAS: In the last 40 years, the right to an abortion has saved the lives of many women and has strengthened families; and

WHEREAS: Roe v. Wade ensured that abortion became a safe and legal choice for women to consider; and

WHEREAS: The majority of Americans continue to support safe access to legal abortion and oppose efforts by individuals, organizations, and governmental entities that attempt to restrict this right; and

WHEREAS: State laws which put obstacles and restrictions on abortions have threatened access to that constitutional right and threatened the health of families; and

WHEREAS: When a woman cannot afford to end a pregnancy when she needs to, due to lack of coverage for abortion, the impact on her and her family can be far reaching, including endangering her health due to serious medical conditions related to pregnancy; and

WHEREAS: All women should have insurance coverage for comprehensive reproductive health services including abortion care to ensure that their social-economic status does not affect any important healthcare decision or access; and

WHEREAS: It is imperative that governmental funding is maintained to ensure that services are maintained and accessible for women who are enrolled in public insurance programs; and

WHEREAS: This right is being eroded and eliminated deliberately and strategically state by state by those working to undermine Roe v. Wade; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record commemorating the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and call upon the United States Congress to support and maintain federal funding for family planning services that are critical to the health of women and families, and to reinstate coverage for abortion services for women enrolled in public insurance programs.