Reflections on Voting Against the "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" Ordinance

Adult human female anatomy diagram chart

I never thought I would find myself writing this in 2021, but just last week, I voted against a local measure that would designate my university town as a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn.” This ordinance effectively categorizes abortion at any stage of pregnancy as murder. Already, 22 cities in Texas and two in Nebraska have moved to become sanctuary cities, with Big Spring, TX, previously holding the title of the largest such city at just over 28,000 residents.

Now, Lubbock, TX—a university town famous for Texas Tech University and Buddy Holly—has taken that title with a population of 258,862, nearly ten times that of Big Spring. This makes us the largest city in the U.S. to pass a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” law. The critical question remains: Are those voting in favor truly pro-life, or are they merely pro-birth?

The Signs of Our Times

Driving through our town, you can’t help but notice numerous signs urging people to “Vote for Life.” These signs are everywhere—on lawns, street corners, businesses, and churches. Lubbock’s strong church community has rallied to encourage support for an ordinance that would strip women of their rights to make choices about their own bodies.

What Does It Mean to Be Pro-Life?

What does it mean to vote yes—to claim to be “pro-life”? Does it encompass caring for a woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and in need of medical assistance? What about prioritizing the mother’s life over the baby’s? What happens in cases of sexual assault, where a woman’s mental well-being could be severely affected?

What about the period after birth? How do we address the overwhelming demands on our social services, especially given the urgent need for foster care since the onset of COVID? What about those unable to provide for their child without governmental support? In Lubbock County, where child abuse rates are alarmingly high, how can we ensure the well-being of both mother and child after birth?

These questions linger in my mind as I reflect on the multitude of “Vote for Life” signs scattered throughout our city. A friend who supports the ordinance recently raised a thought-provoking point: to genuinely be pro-life, one must engage in actions beyond merely voting yes—such as fostering, donating, or volunteering. While I stand in opposition to her viewpoint, I admire her call for those who vote yes to truly embody the pro-life philosophy, rather than simply adhering to religious expectations.

The Campaign’s Message

Tonight, I received a mailer from the “Vote for Life” campaign stating, “This is not political—we simply want to protect life. It’s about standing up for defenseless babies and their mothers.” As a mother, I can’t help but feel that protecting life transcends the moment of birth. It encompasses ensuring access to quality medical care for both the mother and child during pregnancy, and ensuring the child is welcomed into a nurturing environment with adequate resources for a successful upbringing. It includes the need for proper nutrition, clothing, housing, and education for the child. It also means advocating for parental support in a society that lacks mandated paid maternity or paternity leave. Consideration must also be given to the mental health of mothers and the right of sexual assault survivors to make informed choices about their bodies.

A Call for Comprehensive Support

This situation reminds me of an episode from The Handmaid’s Tale, where a woman is denied the autonomy to manage her own health decisions. Instead of promoting initiatives that merely push pro-birth policies, we should focus on educating and supporting women who may not be ready for motherhood. If a child is to enter the world, it should be with resources and support systems in place to ensure a stable life.

Ultimately, the decision on what is best for a woman’s life and body should never rest in the hands of others. Every woman deserves the opportunity to choose what is right for herself. Healthcare providers should have the freedom to make decisions based on their patients’ needs without fear of legal repercussions. Every woman’s situation is unique, and it is unrealistic and unsafe to assume that one solution fits all.

Advocating for Equitable Solutions

As a mother who has welcomed a child into a loving marriage, I recognize my privilege and feel compelled to advocate for what is equitable. Many women lack the support systems I have; some may not be in a healthy environment to nurture a child, or they may be pregnant due to circumstances beyond their control.

By supporting pro-choice policies, I believe I am genuinely championing life. This includes educating young people about sex and contraception, providing affordable healthcare, and empowering women to make informed decisions about their bodies. I urge anyone who believes that voting for such an ordinance equates to supporting life to deeply consider the implications of their actions. If voting yes is merely a box checked on a ballot, then can one truly claim to be pro-life or simply pro-birth? What does it mean to support life for both mother and child?

Final Thoughts

Tonight, I cast my vote against an ordinance that passed by a significant margin, leaving me uncertain if those who supported it truly grasp its impact. Unless we establish the necessary resources and systems to support mothers and children—not only at birth but throughout their lives—a yes vote fails to genuinely support life. If a mother faces mental health challenges from being compelled to carry a pregnancy to term, then this cannot be called support for life. Making decisions for others without understanding their individual circumstances does not embody the essence of supporting life. Instead of pushing for stricter abortion laws, we need to address the real issues surrounding what it means to truly vote for life.

In summary, while the recent ordinance in Lubbock marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over abortion and women’s rights, it raises critical questions about what it truly means to be pro-life. Without the necessary support systems in place for mothers and children, the ordinance fails to provide a comprehensive solution. Women deserve the right to choose what is best for their bodies, and society must ensure that adequate resources are available to support them through all stages of motherhood.

Reflections on Voting Against the “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” Ordinance