Prop A: Aiding and Abetting
The ordinance in Amarillo, known as the “Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn” ordinance, has introduced a troubling and broad interpretation of “aiding and abetting.” This interpretation can have serious implications for anyone who supports reproductive health services in any capacity. In this post, we’ll delve into what “aiding and abetting” means under the ordinance to illustrate the potential risks and consequences.
So what does ‘Aiding and Abetting’ mean in the context of the Prop A?
Under the new ordinance, “aiding and abetting” is defined in an unusually broad manner. According to the ordinance, anyone suspected of assisting or supporting abortion services can be subject to a civil lawsuit. This includes a minimum fine of $10,000 for anyone found liable. The ordinance’s expansive interpretation goes beyond direct involvement in abortion procedures to include seemingly benign actions.
To better understand the implications, let’s look at some real-life scenarios:
Providing Directions: Imagine you give a friend directions to a clinic in another state. If this clinic provides abortion services, your actions could be construed as “aiding and abetting,” potentially making you liable for a lawsuit.
Posting on Social Media: Sharing or endorsing posts related to reproductive health on social media can be seen as supporting abortion services. Under this ordinance, such support could lead to legal action against you.
Donating to Non-Profit Organizations: Even if you donate to a non-profit that supports reproductive health services, your financial contribution could be viewed as aiding abortion services. This could result in you being sued, despite your intention to support general health initiatives.
Offering Financial Support for Medical Travel: If you help a loved one with travel expenses for medical reasons, and that trip involves seeking an abortion, you could face legal consequences. The ordinance’s broad scope means that even indirect support could be deemed as aiding and abetting.
Assisting in Medical Emergencies: Consider a situation where a family member urgently needs to travel out of state to access essential healthcare. If this includes accessing abortion services, you could be held liable for aiding and abetting. The ordinance could penalize those who provide critical support during emergencies, further chilling the community’s willingness to assist loved ones in need.
The ordinance’s interpretation of “aiding and abetting” represents a significant overreach, criminalizing support for reproductive health services. This approach not only threatens individuals with legal action but also chills community support for health and human rights initiatives. The risk of facing a $10,000 lawsuit for benign actions creates a climate of fear and discourages people from providing essential support to those in need.
By expanding the definition of “aiding and abetting” to include everyday actions and support, the ordinance undermines the principles of freedom and community solidarity. It sends a message that even minimal assistance or advocacy for reproductive rights could lead to legal consequences. This fear-driven tactic aims to suppress open support for reproductive health and restrict personal freedoms.
The expansive and punitive nature of Amarillo’s ordinance highlights the need for community action. By understanding the risks associated with “aiding and abetting” under this ordinance, we can better advocate for our rights and support those affected by these unjust policies.
Vote this November to protect your rights and the rights of others in Amarillo. Join ARFA in educating our community about this ordinance—volunteer with us, donate to support our efforts, and stay informed about how you can help. Together, we can safeguard our community’s freedom and support networks.
