NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)— New Orleans city leaders will soon consider a resolution that would “decriminalize state abortion laws” in the city, council president Helena Moreno announced on Wednesday.
Sponsored by all seven City Council members, Resolution R-22-310 includes language calling on city administrators, the NOPD and OPSO and DA Jason Williams to withhold funding for efforts that would investigate and prosecute those offering or receiving procedures for abortion.
It would also include not collecting and keeping private records about the procedure, refusing to conduct surveillance on defendants, and adopting policies that would give the lowest priority to the investigation of abortion procedures except when the procedure can be used as evidence in another crime such as rape.
Some of the reasoning behind the resolution is also outlined in the document, including the idea that Louisiana’s penalties for abortion providers would likely encourage doctors to move out of state, thereby reducing access to health care for all.
According to Moreno, the resolution is similar to those proposed or passed in other cities, including Austin and Atlanta. If passed, the legislation would not be binding on other city agencies.
Public comments on the legislation can be submitted until 8 a.m. Thursday. To post a comment or view the agenda, Press here. The resolution will be item #31 discussed at Thursday’s 11:30 a.m. City Council meeting.
https://www.wkrg.com/state-regional/read-new-orleans-city-council-to-consider-resolution-that-would-decriminalize-abortion/
