Texas Attorney General Sues City of Austin Over Reproductive Health Grant
In a bold move, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action against the city of Austin for what he claims to be a violation of the Texas Constitution’s “Gift Clause.” The city’s controversial use of taxpayer money to fund out-of-state travel for abortion services has sparked a heated debate.
As part of the approved fiscal year 2024-25 budget, Austin City Council members allocated $400,000 to the city’s “Reproductive Health Grant,” aimed at reimbursing Austinites who need to travel for abortion services. This decision comes in light of the strict abortion laws in Texas, which only allow abortions in cases of life-threatening emergencies.
Attorney General Paxton argues that the grant constitutes an illegal use of public funds and is in direct violation of the Texas Constitution. The lawsuit, naming the city of Austin, Mayor Kirk Watson, and City Manager T.C. Broadnax as defendants, seeks to halt the distribution of the controversial funding.
Paxton stated, “No city in Texas has the authority to spend taxpayer money in this manner. The Texas Constitution prohibits governmental entities from doing so.” However, not everyone agrees with Paxton’s stance.
Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes of District 2 responded to the lawsuit by criticizing Paxton’s priorities, saying, “Ken Paxton should focus on actually helping Texans instead of suppressing communities for promoting healthcare.” She emphasized the importance of reproductive care as essential healthcare and denounced Paxton’s actions as undermining local efforts to uphold bodily freedom.
Mayor Kirk Watson also weighed in on the controversy, accusing Paxton of exploiting his power and attacking women’s fundamental rights. He expressed his support for the Austin City Council’s decision to stand by Austin women in their decisions regarding their body, family, health, happiness, and quality of life.
This legal battle is not the city’s first encounter with opposition to the Reproductive Health Grant. In August, former councilmember Don Zimmerman filed a lawsuit against the city, making similar claims of constitutional violations.
Despite facing criticism and legal challenges, the Austin City Council remains steadfast in its commitment to reproductive rights. A recent resolution declaring “reproductive rights are human rights” underscores the city’s dedication to protecting access to abortion care and ensuring that no one is criminalized for seeking or providing essential healthcare services.
As the legal battle unfolds, the city of Austin stands firm in its support for reproductive health and bodily autonomy, setting a precedent for other cities in Texas and beyond.