Amarillo city leaders to discuss ban on travel to obtain abortion services

LTC Eugene Chu Sad that Women can't get Health Care, Medical Care Closer to Home.

LTC Eugene Chu
..."With a vote on the travel ban in Amarillo looming, residents including abortion activists, health care workers and legal professionals, are worried. This ordinance would create an atmosphere of fear and make it more difficult to access standard health care in this largely rural area of the state where people have to travel long ways for care as is.

There is reason to worry about an erosion to health care for expecting mothers: One study found maternal deaths were two times higher in rural communities in the U.S. than urban areas. The state also ranks last in the U.S. in access to high-quality prenatal and maternal care.

Adding to their concerns are the ongoing lawsuits from women across Texas detailing the complications that have come up in much-wanted pregnancies and the traumatic outcomes since the state banned nearly all abortions in June 2022.

"So many rural counties are maternal health care deserts, and things like this ordinance just worsens it. It creates an atmosphere of fear." Fariha Samad, an Amarillo resident and member of the Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance, said."...

Well...

First, Cities and counties in Texas may not "criminalize" anything. They may write local ordinances which are civil infractions.

Second, such an ordinance would be contrary to the Constitution, Section 8, "Enumerated Powers" Which reserves such powers to the federal government.

"To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;