Council Passes Resolution Supporting Reproductive Rights

[UPDATED] The City Council passed a resolution 7-1 on Monday in support of reproductive freedom.

In September, the nation’s Supreme Court allowed a Texas law to take effect, basically prohibiting abortion after six weeks of gestation.

The resolution was brought forth by council members Jess Rivas and Steve Madison.

“It is unfortunate that a resolution is even necessary in 2022, but that is the reality we face,” Rivas said.

Rivas’ district contains a Planned Parenthood care center.

Last month an Altadena man who allegedly fired BB guns at the facility on multiple occasions was arrested on federal charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm for reportedly carrying a loaded handgun during one of the attacks.

According to several reports, some women from Texas have been flying into California for abortions.

The majority conservative Supreme Court is expected to make a decision on Roe v.Wade this year.

In that landmark 1973 decision, the high court ruled the constitution protects a woman’s right to have an abortion without government restriction.

The word abortion does not appear in the resolution.

“The resolution is a measured one and an appropriate one,” Madison said.

Councilmember Tyron Hampton called for an amendment that would also mention a woman’s right to place a child up for adoption.

The council typically passes a resolution supporting adoption on National Adoption Day in November.

Last year, local groups came together to stage a ‘Pasadena Caravan for Choice’ which trekked from the Rose Bowl to Pasadena City Hall in support of reproductive rights.

Nearly two dozen local organizations were involved in the caravan effort, in partnership with Planned Parenthood Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

“Whereas, the city of Pasadena has a track record of supporting women’s rights and reproductive health, has continually supported state and federal legislation protecting and advancing reproductive rights, access to healthcare, and funds for preventative health care services,” the resolution reads.

“The city of Pasadena will continue to uphold everyone’s equality and liberty by protecting their reproductive freedom, educating residents about their rights to reproductive freedom, welcoming anyone to Pasadena to fully exercise their reproductive rights and acting as a model for other cities that want to uphold full reproductive freedom for all.”