San Antonio Councilwoman Castillo proposes city resolution to support abortion rights

The San Antonio City Council will consider a resolution to express support for protecting abortion rights at a special meeting next Tuesday. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last month, District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo drafted a resolution that condemns “any action intended to repeal the fundamental liberties of its people.” “We must show our citizens and the nation that we will not stand by as our rights continue to be chipped away,” she said Wednesday from the front steps of City Hall.

She was joined by Mayor Ron Nirenberg, five other council members and representatives of reproductive rights organizations at a news conference to discuss the need for a resolution that would emphasize the city’s “unwavering support” of ensuring individuals have the autonomy to make their own medical choices. “We’re standing here in solidarity to let folks know that we will protect San Antonio women and the right to health care,” said Castillo, whose district includes parts of the West and Southwest sides of the city. Nirenberg has called for a special council meeting on Tuesday to review and vote on the proposed resolution, which would ensure the city will not spend its funds on “investigating or cataloging any information related to abortion, miscarriage or other reproductive acts.” “The overturning of Roe v. Wade is an attack on the health and independence of women, people of color and the disadvantaged,” Nirenberg said. “Access to health care, including abortion, is a human right.” The resolution is symbolic as the City Council cannot prohibit police from investigating such cases.