Cities and counties show support for abortion rights as threats
loom from United States Supreme Court and Florida Legislature
The Floridians for Reproductive Freedom coalition today held a virtual press conference highlighting how communities across Florida are standing up to defend access to abortion, even as threats loom from the Florida Legislature to the United States Supreme Court. Local leaders spoke out on why they passed a reproductive rights resolution and the need for cities and counties to join them to protect residents against efforts to ban abortion.
“I am proud to represent St. Petersburg, a city that values reproductive freedom and access to abortion care. Advocating for comprehensive reproductive care has always been a top priority and I recently sponsored a resolution affirming St. Petersburg’s opposition to any measure that threatens these rights. Resolutions such as this are important to defend against anti-abortion attacks from Tallahassee,” said St. Petersburg Council Member Darden Rice.
A bill to ban abortion has already been filed ahead of Florida’s legislative session and more attacks on abortion access are expected to come.
“Every person should be able to make their own decisions about their health and their bodies — including abortion,” said Yordanos Molla, Equality Florida Deputy Field Director. “Thank you to the local elected officials who committed to protecting abortion access for their constituents.”
From Tallahassee to Miami Beach, cities and counties across Florida are taking action to commit to protect abortion rights, reproductive health care, and individuals’ rights to make reproductive decisions about their own bodies. These steps illustrate our values and provide a platform to fight back against abortion stigma.
“Progress starts at the local level,” said Hallandale Beach Commissioner Sabrina Javellana. “I championed a reproductive rights resolution because it represents the value that people who can get pregnant should have access to abortion. While state legislators are working to restrict access to reproductive health care, local officials should join the 14 municipalities that stood up for reproductive freedom.”
Among the 14 cities and counties in Florida to declare a commitment to protect abortion access are the Miami Beach City Commission, Hallandale Beach City Commission, St. Petersburg City Council, Fort Lauderdale City Commission, Wilton Manors City Commission, Broward County Soil and Water Conservation Board, North Bay Village Commission, Lauderdale Lakes City Commission, Coral Springs City Commission, Gainesville City Commission, Tallahassee City Commission, Broward County Commission, Dania Beach City Commission, and Gulfport City Council.
More information about Floridians for Reproductive Freedom is available here.
