PHOENIX — Phoenix City Council members have passed a resolution that will put illegal abortion calls on a "low priority" for Phoenix police.
City council heard dozens of public comments both for and against passing the resolution, the opposed saying that by de-prioritizing these calls, it’s a “tricky” way to get around the law that is currently in place that bans abortions after 15 weeks.
Others argue that the City of Phoenix, as the fifth largest city in the country, needs to take a stand on abortion rights for women.
The council passed the resolution with a 6-2 vote.
Many abortion providers are resuming services in Arizona after an emergency stay was granted temporarily blocking the enforcement of a nearly complete ban on abortions.
The stay has been granted as the legal battle moves to the Arizona Court of Appeals.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego who requested the special session voted in favor of the resolution, “We are making an important decision about how we prioritize resources today. We're sending a message that we are not going to spend resources investigating or arresting doctors, nurses, pharmacists.”
Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio voiced concerns that there is no limit on the resolution when it comes to late term abortions, “but late term abortion, most people are opposed to it and doesn’t limit that in this resolution.”
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