San Antonio Reproductive Justice Fund partners at Feminist Fiesta hosted by Planned Parenthood South Texas in San Antonio
In September of 2023, the San Antonio city council created the $500,000 San Antonio Reproductive Justice Fund
Jane’s Due Process worked alongside Avow, Lilith Fund, Sueños Sin Fronteras, and Buckle Bunnies Fund to convince the city council that funding reproductive healthcare, including STI testing and treatment, contraceptives, pre- and postnatal care, parenting support, and practical support for abortion, is essential for a healthy community.
Almost immediately, anti-abortion extremists filed suit claiming it was illegal to fund travel for legal abortion care in other states. City council members have expressed support for funding being available to people traveling out of state for abortion care, although the final details of what is and isn’t covered by the funding haven’t been determined. The city council has also consistently stated that all funding will be allocated in accordance with state and federal law.
Last Thursday, the judge in the case tossed out the suit.
Jane’s Due Process’s Youth Advocacy and Community Engagement Manager Ariana Rodriguez speaking about the SA Reproductive Justice Fund at Feminist Fiesta
“This lawsuit is just one more attempt to disrupt the ability of reproductive justice organizations and the city of San Antonio to provide much-needed services in their community,” said Ariana Rodriguez, Youth Advocacy and Community Engagement Manager of Jane’s Due Process. “Rather than support the Reproductive Justice Fund and funding for healthier families in San Antonio, anti-abortion extremists are creating obstacles to care for pregnant and parenting San Antonians and attacking the work of charities that support the Reproductive Justice Fund. Instead of partnering with us to make prenatal care, sexual health education, practical support, contraceptives, and postnatal care more accessible, Jonathan Mitchell and his clients are creating more barriers to healthcare and education. We want San Antonio to be a place where everyone has the support they need to build healthy families. This lawsuit stands in the way of that goal.”
Our coalition will continue to advocate for funding travel for legal abortion through the Reproductive Justice Fund. Abortion is part of the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare and an essential option for some pregnant people. Reproductive justice means showing up for everyone’s right to choose whether or not to become a parent and ensuring that every decision is abundantly resourced. While the anti-abortion activists have already appealed this decision and our fight is far from over, we will celebrate every win along the way.
