Episode 2: Encourages Lawsuits Without Proof
In this series, we're diving deep into the 18-page ordinance that’s currently threatening Amarillo’s culture, economy, and the well-being of its people. So far, we’ve covered how this ordinance encourages neighbors to sue neighbors. In Episode 2, we’re breaking down how this ordinance encourages lawsuits without proof.
“This ordinance encourages lawsuits without proof.”
“Section 8-6-1 outlines under what circumstances you could be sued by another Amarillo citizen. ”
“Aiding or abetting, or even attempting to aid or abet an elective abortion could get you sued.”
The ordinance purposely broadly defines "Conduct that aids or abets an elective abortion" and targets a wide range of actions and activities that are fundamental to personal freedom, privacy, and healthcare access.
1. Infringement on Personal Privacy and Free Speech
One of the most alarming aspects of this ordinance is its blatant intrusion into our fundamental rights to free speech and personal privacy. Under this law, even something as simple as sharing information or offering emotional support over the phone or online about how to access an abortion could result in a lawsuit. This effectively criminalizes the exchange of ideas and information—core components of our freedom of speech. It sets a dangerous precedent where neighbors could be incentivized to monitor and report on each other, turning private conversations and supportive gestures into potential legal traps. This isn't just about restricting speech; it's about eroding the trust and privacy that should exist between neighbors, and turning our communities into breeding grounds for suspicion and exploitation.
2. Punishment of Basic Support Services
The ordinance seeks to penalize everyday actions and support groups that many in our community rely on. For instance, being suspected of:
Giving a loved one a ride to a clinic: If you give a friend a ride to a clinic where they can get an abortion, you could be sued for "aiding or abetting" an abortion. This is true even if you are just being a supportive friend or family member.
Sharing information online: If you post a link on social media to a website that provides information about safe abortion services, you could be sued. Even if you are just trying to share helpful information, this could be considered "creating or maintaining" content that helps someone get an abortion.
Donating money to an individual or organization: If you use a platform like Venmo, PayPal, or even give cash to a friend to help them pay for an abortion, you could face a lawsuit. This includes donations to abortion funds or organizations that help people afford an abortion. Prop A threatens your constitutional right to freely give donations and personal financial support, which directly infringes upon freedom of speech.
Volunteering for an organization: If you volunteer at a clinic or with a group that supports access to abortion services, you could be sued. It doesn’t matter if you’re just volunteering your time or doing something like answering phones or helping with paperwork. The first amendment protects freedom of association, and Prop A directly infringes upon the right to associate with likeminded people on important social issues.
Providing emotional support: If you provide emotional support to someone before, during, or after an abortion, you could be sued for acting as an “abortion doula”. Even though your role is simply to provide comfort and care, not to perform any medical procedures, it could still land you in court.
Recommending a clinic or service provider: If you refer someone to a clinic or healthcare provider where they can get an abortion, you could be sued. This could be as simple as giving a phone number or website to a friend who asks for help.
Offering to pay legal costs: If you offer to pay or help pay the legal fees of someone who is sued under this ordinance, you could also be targeted. This would discourage people from standing up against this rule out of fear of being dragged into lawsuits themselves.
Selling or distributing books or guides: If you sell, lend, or even give away books, guides, or pamphlets that discuss safe abortion methods or provide information on how to get an abortion, you could be at risk of being sued. This could affect bookstores, libraries, or even individuals sharing such materials.
This ordinance targets not just healthcare providers, but also friends, family, and community organizations offering essential support. It could deter people from seeking or providing help out of fear of legal action, leaving our most vulnerable community members isolated.
3. Coercive Control Over Personal Medical Decisions
The ordinance claims to protect people from being forced into having an abortion, but in reality, it forces its own control over people's personal choices about their health and bodies. It doesn’t stop people from being pressured; instead, it pushes one narrow idea about reproductive health that takes away people’s choices. People are not being trafficked across state lines for abortion - if this were true the ordinance would apply to ALL abortions, not just “elective abortions.”
Everyone should have the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions without being afraid of breaking the law or being judged by others.
4. Encouragement of Vigilante Lawsuits and Legal Chaos
The ordinance uses very broad and unclear language about what it means to "aid and abet" with an abortion. Because of this, it could lead to many people and groups being sued for doing simple things like giving advice or donating money. The unclear terms, like "engaging in any conduct," mean almost anyone could be accused of breaking the law. This will cause a lot of confusion, overwhelm the courts, waste taxpayer money, and create stress and financial problems for people and organizations in our community.
Prop A is a slippery slope that encourages lawsuits without requiring clear proof of wrongdoing. By using vague and broad language, it makes it easy for people to be sued simply for helping others or sharing information. This creates a climate of fear where anyone could be targeted, even for small acts of kindness or support. The result would be endless legal battles, wasted resources, and unnecessary stress on our community.
Visit us back here next week as we tackle another aspect of this legislation. For more detailed information and find out how you can get involved in opposing this harmful ordinance. Together, we can educate our community from the divisive and damaging effects of this law.
