Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Subject: Resolution for Reproductive Freedom
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution to affirm support for reproductive freedom.
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BACKGROUND:
On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision in Roe v. Wade, a challenge to a Texas statute that made it a crime to perform an abortion unless a woman’s life was at stake. The case had been filed by “Jane Roe,” an unmarried woman who wanted to end her pregnancy safely and legally. Siding with Roe, the court struck down the Texas law. Roe v. Wade has come to be known as the case that legalized abortion nationwide. At the time the decision was handed down, nearly all states outlawed abortion. Roe v. Wade rendered these laws unconstitutional, making abortion services safer and more accessible to women throughout the country.
In 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed and enacted into law Texas Senate Bill 8, which bans almost all abortions in Texas and delegates enforcement responsibility to citizens. As such, these citizens will have to go out of state to access a safe and legal abortion.
DISCUSSION:
The County of San Mateo has a proud record of proclaiming its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equity.
The County is committed to protecting the rights of all its residents, including the rights related to family planning. In furtherance of the County’s stance on protecting the rights of all, the proposed resolution affirms the County of San Mateo’s support of reproductive freedom for all women and persons.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.