Rolla, Mo. - The ACLU of Missouri issued a letter to the Rolla Mayor and City Council to strongly oppose a proposed ordinance that violates state constitutional protections prohibiting the government from infringing on the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including the right to make and carry out all decisions related to abortion care. Rolla City Council is scheduled to hear discussion tonight on an ordinance that would significantly risk patient health care broadly, not just constitutionally protected abortion care.
In the letter, the ACLU of Missouri states, “We strongly encourage the Council to respect the will of the people, legal realities, and medical realities governing reproductive health care in Missouri. Rejecting this ordinance would demonstrate the City’s commitment to upholding the law and prioritizing the health and wellbeing of its community. Attempting to impose such a measure would invite expensive legal challenges, divert valuable city resources, and, most importantly, cause unnecessary harm and delay to individuals in need of critical health care.”
The ACLU of Missouri urges the Council to consider the best interests of its citizens and comply with its constitutional obligations, promising to closely monitor the proposed ordinance. Concerned residents can email their councilperson or attend in person at 6:30 p.m., Monday, January 6, 2025, at City Hall Council Chambers, 901 North Elm Street (weather permitting) or virtually at the City of Rolla’s YouTube channel.
Read the entire letter.
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