Staff Reports
The Washington Examiner reported that Amarillo, Texas is considering a bold maneuver to become a “sanctuary city for the unborn” by passing an “abortion trafficking” ordinance. The city has yet to vote on this measure, but it’s creating quite the stir. This move, if passed, aims to block the use of Amarillo’s roads by individuals seeking abortion services.
Amarillo, Texas, considers ordinance to become 'sanctuary city for the unborn' https://t.co/2JjzqxLe2W https://t.co/2JjzqxLe2W
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 21, 2023
The proposed ordinance has sparked lively debate within the City Council. Mayor Cole Stanley expressed a strong commitment to protecting the sanctity of life, emphasizing the need for measures to discourage and limit abortion access. While the debate rages on, it seems that the final version may not include an outright ban, but rather a provision allowing civil action against those involved in aiding abortion access.
The push to pass such an ordinance is further fueled by the recent restrictive abortion laws in Texas following the overturn of Roe v. Wade. With neighboring states like New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas more permissive in their abortion regulations, Amarillo finds itself in the crosshairs of potential “abortion tourism.” The proposed travel restrictions are an attempt to combat this phenomenon, although the scope of such limitations is a point of contention among council members.
Furthermore, the council is considering regulations on chemical abortion pills and the disposal of human remains, with some members expressing concerns about minors obtaining these pills without proper medical oversight.
This potential ordinance mirrors similar efforts in other Texas cities and is part of a larger trend in conservative states to restrict abortion access. In Idaho, for instance, residents are barred from crossing state lines to obtain abortions, sparking controversy over potential violation of constitutional rights.
The proposed ordinance comes amidst lawsuits and legal battles over abortion access in Texas, most notably with Kate Cox’s lawsuit to obtain an abortion, which ultimately was denied by the Texas Supreme Court.
