· Related development
Council work session reviews three draft abortion ordinances; no vote
At a December 19, 2023 work session held at the Civic Center, listed as "Discuss ordinance protecting human life by adding abortion-related restrictions," the council reviewed three drafts (A, B and C) without public comment or a vote. NewsChannel10 and the Amarillo Globe-News reported that councilmembers favored combining Drafts A and B, which addressed the abortion pill mifepristone and the disposal of fetal remains, pending legal review, and did not agree on Draft C, which addressed "abortion trafficking." Mayor Stanley said any ordinance the council put forward would not have travel restrictions.[1][2][3]
Cole StanleyJosh CraftDon TippsTom ScherlenLes Simpson
What the sources say
- ✓ Verified
At the December 19, 2023 work session the council reviewed three drafts. NewsChannel10 reported that councilmembers favored combining Drafts A and B, pending legal review, covering regulation of the abortion pill mifepristone and the disposal of human remains, with possession of the pill to be a Class C misdemeanor, and that they did not all agree on the 18-page Draft C, which addressed abortion trafficking. The session included a presentation by a Florida physician; no public comment was taken and no vote was held. [1][2][3]
- ✓ Verified
The Amarillo Globe-News reported that Councilmembers Josh Craft and Don Tipps called for an ordinance to protect life and favored some private enforcement; Councilmember Tom Scherlen said "I do not believe in government overreach" and objected to transportation provisions; Councilmember Les Simpson's main concern was enforcing a travel provision locally; and Mayor Stanley said any ordinance would have no travel restrictions. [3]
- ✓ Verified
Cole Stanley, Mayor: Mayor Stanley said, "Anything that we put forward will not have any travel restrictions," and that the council expected public readings of a draft in January 2024. [2]