Abortion Access Resolution Considered By Alexandria City Council

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Alexandria City Council will consider a resolution Tuesday on abortion access in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson decision overturning federal protections on abortions under Roe v. Wade.

The City Council's Tuesday meeting includes consideration of a resolution with actions to support abortion access.

The resolution, introduced by Councilmember Kirk McPike, would express the City Council's opposition to restrictions on abortion by either the federal government or the Virginia state government and "solidarity with women in states where abortion has become or soon will become illegal." The resolution calls on the Virginia General Assembly and Congress to take actions to protect abortion access.

On the local level, the resolution asks the city attorney to get involved in ongoing or future litigation to protect abortion services in Alexandria. The city manager would be asked to work with the director of planning and zoning and the city attorney to review land-use regulations regarding clinics providing abortion services. Officials would be asked to propose zoning text amendments to provide administrative approvals in commercial or mixed-use zones.

In addition, the city manager would be directed to consider budget proposals for the next annual budget to ensure low-income residents have access to reproductive health services, safe abortion services and maternal and child health services.

The resolution appears likely to be approved by the Democrat-controlled City Council. Councilmembers Sarah Bagley and Kirk McPike joined an abortion rights rally Friday in response to the Supreme Court decision, in addition to Del. Elizabeth Bennett Parker (D-Alexandria) and Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria).

"Abortion remains legal in VA and I will continue to work to elect those who will protect legal and practical access to this necessary medical care," Bagley said in a tweet.

Frank Fannon, a former Republican City Council member, shared a statement expressing support for anti-abortion measures.

"Friday was a great day for America when our 49-year national nightmare of federally legalized abortion came to an end," Fannon said in a statement. "Now is the time for Virginians to vote and stand up for life and human rights and protect the most vulnerable in our society, unborn children, from pro-abortion legislators."

While the Dobbs v. Jackson decision has an immediate effect on abortion rights in 13 states, abortion remains legal in Virginia.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin indicated he wants anti-abortion measures introduced in the next General Assembly session, but Democrats who control the Virginia Senate have vowed to block any Republican attempts to make abortion illegal in Virginia.

Attempts to introduce anti-abortion measures could get more traction if Republicans gain control of the Virginia Senate and retain the Virginia House in 2023. The current Virginia Senate majority is 21-19; the House majority is 52-48.