The city council of Mason, Ohio, voted to approve an ordinance that criminalizes abortion effective 30 days from Tuesday.
There are no operating abortion clinics in Mason, and advocates suggested its passage ensures offices don’t open in the city.
PORTLAND OFFERS PAID TIME OFF FOR CITY EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE ABORTIONS
The city council welcomed an open public discussion on the issue and has heard from proponents and opponents of the ordinance, WSAZ reported. The latter contend criminalizing abortion will negatively affect the economy and hurt female healthcare.
Others disagree and say the ordinance is necessary beyond political rationales and personal views.
“I’m here to protect life. For me, it’s a fundamental issue. If the foundations are destroyed, what do we have left?” said Vice Mayor Mike Gilb. “I’m not just here to decide how bright the street lights should be or where the next roundabout goes. Those things are certainly important issues, but they’re not as fundamental as protecting life.”
Pro-abortion rights advocates retort arguments similar to Gilb’s by labeling the ordinance as unlawful.
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“America has a legal system in place to create order in our country. We must follow and abide by that system,” said Councilwoman Diana Nelson. “The Supreme Court has made a ruling on abortion, regardless of one’s opinion on abortion, creating local laws that contradict with federal laws is illegal and unconstitutional.”
