DATE:
September 14, 2021
03
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
DECLARING THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO A CHAMPION FOR REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
In 1973, the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects a pregnant person's liberty to choose whether to terminate a pregnancy or not. This was a landmark legal decision that struck down a Texas statute banning abortion, effectively legalizing the procedure across the United States. Prior to Roe v. Wade, abortion had been illegal throughout much of the country.
For decades, the State of California has served as a model for providing and protecting access to reproductive health care. In 1969, even before the United States Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, the California Supreme Court recognized that the fundamental right of a person to choose whether to bear children is protected by the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, in 1972, the people of California recognized the significance of a person's right to reproductive freedom by amending the California Constitution to enshrine a right to privacy.
California has been recognized as the state with the strongest protections of rights to reproductive freedom. As the second largest county in the state, and in light of recent attacks on abortion rights in other states, the County of San Diego should serve as a model and commit to defend and fight for reproductive freedom. Although abortions are legal in San Diego County, individuals still face barriers to reproductive access. On a daily basis, healthcare providers across the county work to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and keep people healthy. As the agency tasked with promoting wellness, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life for our residents, the County of San Diego has a responsibility to be a champion for reproductive freedom.
Today's action demonstrates the County of San Diego's strong commitment to sa...
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