Council repeals 'pro-choice city' resolution | Inquirer | 06/15/2007
City Council yesterday rescinded its week-old proclamation that Philadelphia is a "pro-choice city," putting an end to a purely symbolic debate that drew the attention of Cardinal Justin Rigali and roiled Council as few other issues had in months.
The original resolution, passed by a narrow 9-8 vote, was repealed by a vote of 13-4. Five Council members flipped sides after public criticism and Rigali's objections.
Sponsored by Democratic Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, the resolution stated that Philadelphia supports "women's reproductive rights and freedom" and defends "the right to choose a legal and safe abortion as a final but critical option for women."
Like most Council proclamations, the resolution would have had no impact on city policy, but that didn't stop Council members from spending considerable time weighing it in their final week before the summer recess.
"I'm angry with myself for not abstaining," said Councilman Jim Kenney, who last week voted for the resolution. "It's not something I think we should have forced on the public at large."
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The vote was a disappointment to Dayle Steinberg, president and chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, which had helped Brown develop the resolution."It's unfortunate that there couldn't be an agreement to support the rights of women and families in Philadelphia," Steinberg said.
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