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 right to access medical care and reproductive care.
o Conduct outreach to local reproductive health and choice providers to learn how the city can help or partner with them to best support their services.
o Actions other cities are taking across the country to support and protect choice and reproductive rights.
• Community Livability and Public Safety Committee consider adding to their future work plan such topics as:
o Public safety for those seeking reproductive services and for advocates and service providers.
o Strengthen strategies to prevent violence against women.
o Laws and ordinances on what might constitute intimidation, or a hate crime related to reproductive health and choice.
o Consult with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, County Public Health Department, and Community Youth Services on what actions they are considering related to the loss of the right of Woman’s choice and reproductive rights.
The referral is sponsored by Councilmember Lisa Parshley, with support from Councilmember Yến Huỳnh and Councilmember Dontae Payne.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Community has an interest in the protection of reproductive rights.
Options:
1. Approve the referral to staff.
2. Approve the referral, with amendments, to staff.
3. Do not approve the referral to staff.
Financial Impact:
There are no financial impacts related to consideration of the referral.
Attachments:
Referral