Nashville leaders are responding to a total ban on abortions that’s now taken effect in Tennessee. The law is one of the strictest in the country with no exceptions for rape or incest.
Now, Metro councilmembers are working to prevent unwanted pregnancies and help people who still need abortions access them.
The plan would create a grant, with $200,000 for comprehensive sex education and $150,000 each for distributing safer sex supplies and helping abortion patients get care out of state. The grant would be administered through a memorandum of understanding with the city.
Last month the council passed a resolution opposing the overturning of Roe V. Wade. Councilmember Delishia Porterfield says this plan would put action behind that sentiment.
It’s still unclear how the city would pay for the proposal. A release says the council is working with the mayor’s office and Metro Finance to make sure the money is available. A Metro official says that could be tough, and may result in in job cuts or delaying other projects.
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