The Hoboken City Council approved a resolution last night making them a sanctuary city for abortion right, as well as calling on federal lawmakers to codify Roe vs. Wade.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Even today, in 2022, abortion is not a comfortable subject to talk about. Society has stigmatized abortion, demonizing medical providers who provide them and vilify people who consider them,” said Rachel Hodes, the chair of the Hoboken Democratic Committee.
“As many of you know, I was one of them. I just gave birth a month ago to a beautiful baby boy, who is here with me today today, and it was not easy, and as I share my story and it’s many challenges along the way.”
Hodes continued that at 20 weeks, she was told by medical professionals that there was the possibility of genetic abnormalities. If this had ended up being the case, her baby would not have survived outside of the womb.
While she acknowledged the resolution was largely symbolic, she also said it was “a public declaration” that the Mile Square City is an inclusive place for everyone – regardless of their sex, gender, and/or desire to seek medical care.
The resolution passed unanimously (8-0) as part of the consent agenda, with 1st Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco. 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen and Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour, two co-sponsors of the measure, called into the meeting.
“I am proud to be the lead sponsor of this important resolution unanimously passed last evening,” Cohen began in a statement.
“As the resolution states “Limiting access to reproductive healthcare, including systematically stripping birthing people of access to abortion, is not only a transgression against basic human reproductive rights but is also an assault on dignity and autonomy.”
The other two co-sponsors were 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher and 6th Ward Councilwoman Jen Giattino.
The local legislation was virtually identical to the one passed in Jersey City in June, just days after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade.
” … The City of Hoboken declares itself a Right-To-Choose Sanctuary City, recognizing that anyone should have a right to abortion, on-demand, and without question and be it further resolved that the City of Hoboken affirms its support for codifying the right to an abortion into federal law via House Bill 3755, the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021.”
In a statement this morning, Fisher explained why she wanted to co-sponsor the measure.
“I was proud to co-sponsor this resolution calling for our federal representatives to codify Roe v. Wade. As an elected leader, and a woman, I felt strongly we needed to send this message to Washington. It’s mission critical to restore this fundamental right that so many before me worked tirelessly for decades to protect.”
” … Abortion is healthcare, and it is incumbent on all public officials, at every level, to stand up and speak out on the right to control our bodies and make personal healthcare decisions. While I am grateful to live in New Jersey – where abortion is legal – we must fight to protect access to safe, legal abortions for all,” Jabbour said in her own statement.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with comments from 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen and Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour.