Councilmember Raman Introduces Resolution In Support of Abortion Access

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2022

COUNCILMEMBER RAMAN INTRODUCES RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ABORTION ACCESS

LOS ANGELES — Today, Councilmember Nithya Raman introduced a resolution, co-presented by Council President Nury Martinez and Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, in support of swift and immediate State and Federal government action to codify the right to abortion access into law. Councilmember Raman’s resolution comes on the heels of an unprecedented leaked draft of the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Clinic, indicating a 6-3 vote to overrule the Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade upholding the right to a safe and legal abortion in the United States. 

“We are witnessing an unequivocal attack on a fundamental human right, setting us back decades,” said Councimember Raman. “What’s more, is we know exactly who this decision will hurt the most – marginalized groups who already face significant barriers accessing abortion care, and in particular low-income women of color. We will not sit idly by.”

The ability to access to safe and legal abortions in the United States is an essential human right that has been protected under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution since 1973. Decades of research indicate that legal restrictions on abortion do not result in fewer abortions and instead compel those seeking abortions to risk their lives and health by resorting to unsafe abortion practices. Banning abortion in the United States would lead to an estimated 21% increase in the number of pregnancy-related deaths overall and a 33% increase in the number of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women. 

“We all know it’s not the wealthy or the well-connected who are going to be bearing the brunt of this decision,” said Council President Nury Martinez. “It’s the women who can’t afford to take a day off from work and travel to another state for an abortion. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, women in twenty-six states across the country will immediately lose the say in what happens to their body. We have to keep fighting and pushing back until a women’s right to choose is codified into law, but until then, our City is open to anyone who cannot access safe abortions at home.” 

“There is an assault on women’s rights across this country and we need to stand with them and for them to protect their rights and our bodies,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. “We can not sit on the sidelines to see what freedoms are redacted next. We must fight and we must persist.”

Councilmember Raman’s resolution supports the proposed amendment to enshrine the right to an abortion in the California constitution, as put forth by Governor Newsom Monday evening. 

“I hoped this day would never come, but now that it’s here we need to step up and lead,” said Councilmember Raman. “We have no time to waste – lives are on the line”

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