Protecting Texas families is “clearly not the intent of our attorney general,” an Austin council member said.
Recently, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against the city of Austin over a fund created to reimburse travel expenses for residents seeking abortion services out of state. The city allocated $400,000 for this fund and passed a resolution affirming reproductive rights as human rights. Paxton alleges that Austin is violating a state constitutional standard known as “the gift clause” by awarding funds to individuals that do not serve a “public purpose.”
In response, city officials criticized Paxton for attacking women’s rights and undermining the efforts of local communities to provide essential healthcare. The lawsuit seeks to place a temporary restraining order on the fund while litigation continues. Despite the legal threats, Austin remains committed to defending reproductive rights and maintaining access to healthcare for its residents.
City council members emphasized the importance of protecting Texas families and ensuring access to necessary medical care. The legal battle between Paxton and Austin highlights the ongoing struggle to uphold reproductive rights in the face of restrictive state laws.