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File #: 2022-0524    Version:
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed Finally
File created: 6/24/2022 In control: Committee on Finance and Law
On agenda: 7/13/2022 Final action: 7/19/2022
Enactment date: 7/19/2022 Enactment #: 21
Effective date: 7/21/2022    
Title: Ordinance Amending TITLE 6: CONDUCT, ARTICLE I: REGULATED RIGHTS AND ACTIONS by creating a new CHAPTER 607: Regulation of Deceptive Advertising by Limited Services Pregnancy Centers.
Sponsors: Bobby Wilson, Erika Strassburger, Corey O'Connor
Title
Ordinance Amending TITLE 6: CONDUCT, ARTICLE I: REGULATED RIGHTS AND ACTIONS by creating a new CHAPTER 607: Regulation of Deceptive Advertising by Limited Services Pregnancy Centers.

Body
WHEREAS, the Supreme Court of the United States issued an Opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) that overturned its prior decision in Roe v. Wade (1973), leaving the decision of abortion rights to the States; and

WHEREAS, after the issuance of this Opinion, neighboring states of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have introduced legislation to severely restrict or ban abortion services that would otherwise be legal within the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, pregnant persons in states that severely restrict or ban abortions have traveled across state boundaries seeking abortion services for various reasons including, but not limited to, protecting their physical and mental health.

WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh is likely one of the closest municipalities for many pregnant persons residing in states bordering Western Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, from January 2020 to December 2020, just over 3,000 abortions were performed within Allegheny County alone; and

WHEREAS, with further restrictions on abortion services in neighboring states, it's very likely that the City will see a rapid increase of pregnant persons seeking abortion services within its jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, such an influx of pregnant persons seeking abortion services can place a strain on facilities that provide abortion services within the City; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that pregnant persons who seek abortion services receive timely and accurate information so they may choose the best services for them at their time of need;

WHEREAS, if pregnant persons do not receive timely and accurate information, subsequent decisions could lead to further complications and unnecessary medical procedures, which could be costly for both patie...

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