Councilmember to present emergency legislation to help city employees pay for reproductive treatment

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As Americans wait to learn if the Supreme Court will overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, a city leader said he’s trying to do what he can to protect women’s reproductive rights.

On Monday morning, Jacksonville City Councilmember Reggie Gaffney held a press conference on the steps of City Hall to discuss his legislation, the Women’s Healthcare Rights Bill.

RELATED STORY: Councilman proposes reimbursement for city employees who travel for reproductive rights treatments

Action News Jax Courtney Cole was there for the conference. She learned that Gaffney plans to present emergency legislation at Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting. This legislation focuses on reimbursing female city employees for travel expenses for medical treatments related to reproductive rights.

“I have had hundreds of phone calls from women throughout the city of Jacksonville for the last month, asking me as a council leader, ‘what are you all going to do?’ Gaffney explained from the podium.

Ultimately, Gaffney said all of those phone calls inspired Bill 2022-401, also known as the Women’s Healthcare Rights Bill.

“This is not my personal opinion, but however, as a legislator, I represent all people and fight for their freedom — and their right for their opinion,” Gaffney said.

The language in the bill explains that, “Each city employee shall be entitled to up to $4,000 in travel expenses annually, for any medical treatments (including medication, procedures, or operations) related to reproductive rights if that medical treatment is not available within 100 miles of the employee’s home and virtual care is not possible.”

People on both sides of the issue showed up to the councilmember’s press conference.

“I do wish it extended to more than just city employees, but you know, going forward is never a bad thing,” said Christina Kittle, lead organizer for Duval County Florida Rising.

Kittle said she doesn’t think City Council will pass the legislation, but she said it doesn’t mean activists like herself will stop fighting.

“We’re just going to keep organizing and keep finding different ways, keep finding more politicians who support us,” Kittle said.

“If Mr. Gaffney wants to pay, he can pay — but not my tax money,” said Margie Watkins, a resident who is anti-abortion after having two abortions. She says the decision is something she battled with three decades.

“I was in depression, if Jesus didn’t save me, I’m telling you the truth. I was crying every day. What have I done to that baby?” Watkins told Cole.

RELATED STORY: ‘It’s just really, really scary’: Local abortion clinic CEO fears for the safety of patients, staff

If The Supreme Court decides to strike down Roe v. Wade, the legality of an abortion would depend on where you live.

As seen on a map created by The New York Times, there are already 13 states with what are known as “Trigger laws,” in which abortion would quickly end if the landmark decision is overturned.

Florida has already approved a 15-week abortion ban that is set to go into effect on July 1.

When Cole asked Gaffney what he had to say to the skeptics who believe his run for State Senate inspired this legislation, he said, “If you know my character and what I stand for for the last 30 years, it’s taking care of the lesser and families.”

When Cole asked him how likely it is this bill will get passed by his colleagues, Gaffney said each person has to live with the decision they make.

If it doesn’t pass, he said he will go on to the next course of action, which he’s still working to figure out.

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