Abortion supporters in St. Louis want the city to become a “sanctuary” for abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Two St. Louis aldermen announced this week that they plan to introduce a new initiative that would add “reproductive health decisions,” including abortion, into the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance.
“We are a board of people who are very aware of the challenges for women that are being brought forth at both the state and national level. And so it’s up to us at the local level to really ensure that women’s rights are protected,” said Alderman Megan-Ellyia Green, a Democrat from the 15th Ward.
The Missouri affiliate of NARAL is supporting the measure. The group support abortion through all nine months of pregnancy.
The legislation will be introduced after winter break. The mayor of St. Louis is expected to support the measures.
Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh has announced similar legislation to make Boston a “sanctuary” for abortion.
Abortion advocates are worried President-elect Donald Trump will nominate Supreme Court justices who could potentially reverse the decades-old abortion ruling. If the ruling were changed, abortions would not become illegal immediately. The power to regulate abortions would go to the states.
“I think a lot of the [abortion] clinics would probably look to cities like Boston to come to, safe cities, cities that are open and progressive and understand the importance of having access,” Walsh told Herald Radio in November.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: December 29, 2016
