Reno stands for reproductive freedom

On September 29, PPMM’s Director of Public Affairs, Daela G., attended the City of Reno Human Rights Commission meeting to give a presentation on reproductive health care in Northern Nevada and support the commission’s approval of a resolution, “Declaring the City of Reno a Supporter and Defender of Reproductive Freedom.”

Daela was joined by Bill S., our outstanding volunteer and storyteller. Bill spoke during the public comment portion about the importance of being an ally for people who may need abortion and access to reproductive health care. Big thanks to Bill for using his voice as a cisgender male ally in this moment.

WHEREAS, in 1990, Nevada voters recognized that access to the fundamental right to choose whether to carry a pregnancy to term or seek an abortion should be protected; and

WHEREAS, Nevada has worked to make reproductive freedom a fundamental right for all Nevadans by guaranteeing privacy regarding reproductive decisions and protecting a person’s right to bodily autonomy, access to abortion, and to make independent reproductive choices including whether or not to terminate a pregnancy; and

WHEREAS, reproductive rights are at a pivotal moment in this country as states enact laws that restrict or ban abortion with serious implications for reproductive freedom in communities across the country; and

WHEREAS, the number of laws restricting abortion access are bound to increase since the Supreme Court of the United States struck down Roe v. Wade thus taking away the constitutional right to abortion; and

WHEREAS, the demand for abortion access will not change, making cities like Reno a destination for individuals seeking care that may be made illegal in their home cities and states; and

WHEREAS, abortion restrictions, bans, and limitations to reproductive freedom disproportionately impact populations that already face barriers to accessing care including communities of color, individuals with low income, immigrant communities, youth, and rural communities; and

WHEREAS, every person has a right to comprehensive, evidence-based information about the full range of reproductive health care options, and should have access to comprehensive reproductive health care throughout their lives, regardless of income, race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender, ability, immigration status, geographic circumstance, religion, criminal history, and insurance-coverage status; and

WHEREAS, as states around the country enact abortion restrictions and outright bans to abortions, the City of Reno can serve as a model and commit to defend and fight for reproductive freedom and welcome all those seeking to fully exercise their reproductive rights and access safe, legal abortion.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission of the City of Reno is committed to being a champion and defender of health equity and reproductive freedom for all, so that anyone may have access to the reproductive services they need, when they need them.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission of the City of Reno encourages elected bodies at the local, state, and federal level to advocate for reproductive freedom and support access to abortion and other reproductive care.

The resolution passed by a vote of 5-1!

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