Fighting For Life at the Local Level: 19 Cities and 1 County Outlawed Abortion in 2022
Since June 2019, a total of 62 cities and 1 county in the United States have passed ordinances outlawing abortion within their city limits. 2022 contributed to that number with 19 cities and 1 county.
The combined population of all nineteen cities and the unincorporated part of the one county that outlawed abortion in 2022 is 460,495 – which is 95,979 more than the total population of the twenty-six cities that outlawed abortion in 2021 (pop. 364,516), 416,966 more than the total population of the ten cities that outlawed abortion in 2020 (pop. 43,529), and 448,368 more than the total population of the seven cities that outlawed abortion in 2019 (pop. 12,127).
Here’s the state-by-state breakdown at the local level:
Texas: Ten Cities Outlawed Abortion in 2022
The ten cities in Texas that outlawed abortion in 2022 include Jewett (pop. 1,250), Shallowater (pop. 2,613), Lindale (pop. 6,730), Marquez (pop. 313), Normangee (pop. 778), Athens (pop. 13,121), Abilene (pop. 124,407), San Angelo (pop. 101,612), Plainview (pop. 22,343), and Odessa (pop. 125,413).
The combined population of all ten cities in Texas that outlawed abortion in 2022 is 398,580 – which is 90,614 more than the total population of the twenty-two Texas cities that outlawed abortion in 2021 (pop. 307,966), 355,051 more than the total population of the ten Texas cities that outlawed abortion in 2020 (pop. 43,529), and 386,453 more than the total population of the seven Texas cities that outlawed abortion in 2019 (pop. 12,127).
Nebraska: Six Cities Outlawed Abortion in 2022
The six cities in Nebraska that outlawed abortion in 2022 include Stapleton (pop. 305), Arnold (pop. 597), Paxton (pop. 523), Brady (pop. 428), Hershey (pop. 665), and Wallace (pop. 366).
The combined population of all six cities in Nebraska that outlawed abortion in 2022 is 2,884 – which is 1,655 more than the total population of the two Nebraska cities that outlawed abortion in 2021 (pop. 1,229).
New Mexico: One City and One County Outlawed Abortion in 2022
The one city and one county in New Mexico that passed de-facto abortion bans in 2022 were Hobbs (pop. 41,604) and Lea County (pop. 76,432). The New Mexico bans are called de-facto abortion bans because while they do not explicitly outlaw abortion in their text, they do result in the same effect by requiring compliance with federal laws on abortion – specifically 18 U.S.C. § 1461 and 18 U.S.C. § 1462.
Since the county ordinance only covers the unincorporated part of the county, only 16,853 of the 76,432 in the county are covered by the ordinance. The total population of the one city and the unincorporated part of the one county in New Mexico that passed de-facto abortion bans in 2022 is 58,457.
Louisiana: One City Outlawed Abortion in 2022
The one city in Louisiana that outlawed abortion in 2022 was Pollock (pop. 473).
Iowa: One City Outlawed Abortion in 2022
The one city in Iowa that outlawed abortion in 2022 was Willey (pop. 101).
The Numbers Add Up: Seeing the Overall Picture
The numbers really do add up. The total combined population for the 62 cities in the United States which have, over the last 3 1/2 years, passed ordinances becoming Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn is 880,667.
This number is greater than the individual populations of four different states (Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, and North Dakota), the population of our nation’s capital (Washington, D.C.), and the combined population of all four United States territories (Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands).
What’s Next?
In 2023, the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn Initiative is planning on continuing efforts to pass ordinances outlawing abortion in cities and counties throughout the United States. The movement is planning on continuing efforts in states which already have cities outlawing abortion, but also is planning on advancing into states which have yet to pass ordinances outlawing abortion. While ordinances were introduced in Minnesota and Colorado in 2022, the ordinances did not ultimately pass.
Those who wish to see their city or county pass an enforceable ordinance prohibiting abortion at the local level, regardless of what state they are in, are encouraged to sign Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn’s online petition.
Photo credits: all photos taken by or for Mark Lee Dickson and used with permission.
Cover photo: San Angelo Pastor Ryan Buck and Right To Life of East Texas Director Mark Lee Dickson take a picture with one of the iconic statues throughout San Angelo on election day on November 8, 2022.
Mark Lee Dickson lives in Texas and serves as a Director with Right to Life of East Texas and the founder of the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn Initiative.
