APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY
COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEM SHENG THAO
RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY OF OAKLAND’S
COMMITMENT TO ABORTION ACCESS BY:
(1) DECLARING THE CITY OF OAKLAND A RIGHT -TO-CHOOSE
SANCTUARY CITY;
(2) CALLING ON THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND ALAMEDA
COUNTY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE, INCLUDING ABORTIONS; AND
(3) REAFFIRMING SUPPORT OF CODIFYING THE RIGHT TO AN
ABORTION INTO FEDERAL LAW VIA HOUSE BILL 3755, THE
WOMEN’S HEALTH PROTECTION ACT OF 2021 (LEE & CHU)
WHEREAS, limiting access to reproductive healthcare, including systematically stripping birthing people of access to abortion, is not only a transgression against basic human reproductive rights but is also an assault on dignity and autonomy; and
WHEREAS, Roe v. Wade, the landmark SCOTUS decision recognizing and confirming the “right to privacy” in the federal Constitution protects the right for pregnant people to choose to have an abortion prior to viability is in imminent danger of being overturned; and
WHEREAS, dozens of states have already taken legal action to limit or ban abortion, potentially stripping millions of people of re productive care and endangering thousands of healthcare workers, including nurses and doctors who have dedicated their lives to caring for those in need; and
WHEREAS, at its September 21 st, 2021 meeting, the Oakland City Council voted to support House Bill 3755, The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021 (Lee & Chu), which would codify the right to an abortion into federal law; and
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2 WHEREAS, the City of Oakland is home to a number of nonprofit healthcare providers that provide free or low-cost reproductive care, including abortion; and
WHEREAS, the demand for abortion access will not change, making cities like Oakland a destination for individuals seeking care that may be made illegal in their home cities and states; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland declares itself a Right-To-Choose Sanctuary City, recognizing that anyone should have a right to abortion, on-demand, and without question; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council urges the State of California and Alameda County to increase funding for reproductive rights and abortion access; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland reaffirms its support for codifying the right to an abortion into federal law via House Bill 3755, The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021 (Lee & Chu)
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, KALB, KAPLAN, REID, TAYLOR, THAO AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
Acting City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of
the City of Oakland, California