Title
Consider a Referral to Staff Related to Reproductive Rights
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Consider a referral to staff related to reproductive rights.
Report
Issue:
Whether to consider a referral to staff related to reproductive rights.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360-753-8244
Presenter(s):
Councilmember Lisa Parshley
Background and Analysis:
In 2022 it was revealed that the United States Supreme Court is likely to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision in which the Court ruled that the United States Constitution protects a pregnant woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restrictions.
The implications of this possible reversal include: a strain on health care clinics that provide abortion services; threats to the public safety of all persons involved in the abortion process; exacerbation of the number of unwanted pregnancies coming to term; an increase in economic hardships for some women, children, and families; and potentially putting other human rights at risk in the future.
Olympia can demonstrate our city values, per the Comprehensive Plan's Community Values and Visions, and exercise the capability of a local a jurisdiction to protect reproductive rights with early, thoughtful, and effective actions.
The referral requests:
* Staff develop a Resolution clearly stating Olympia's position on woman's right to choose and reproductive rights of all people.
* Staff research options regarding on what a Washington State city can enact and fund that will support choice and reproductive rights. Areas of particular interest include:
o Financial assistance to reproductive right and choice providers to assist lower income/marginalized community members
o Expanding our existing sanctuary city status to make Olympia a pro-choice and reproductive health sanctuary.
o Balancing first amendments rights and a...
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