Portland Will Vote On Boycotting Texas Following Abortion Law

In the wake of Texas’ draconian new Abortion Law, local officials in Portland, Oregon, are expected to vote on an “emergency resolution” on Wednesday prohibiting the city from purchasing products and services from the state.

The proposal, which will be voted on by the Portland Municipal Council, also aims to prohibit city employees from traveling to Texas on official business.

“The prohibition will remain in force until Texas repeals its illegal abortion ban or it is invalidated in court,” according to a statement from Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office.

The statement said, “City legal counsel is presently examining the legal issues of this proposed resolution.” “The Portland City Council is united in its conviction that everyone should be able to choose whether or not to carry a pregnancy, and that the decisions they make are complicated, challenging, and unique to their circumstances.”

Texas’ new abortion legislation, which took effect last Wednesday, prohibits doctors from performing abortions if they detect a fetal heartbeat (including embryonic cardiac activity). As early as six weeks during pregnancy, this can occur. While the state is prohibited from implementing the prohibition, the legislation allows private individuals to file civil actions against anybody who “aids or abets” an abortion, which includes a driver transporting someone to a clinic.

The Portland City Council went on to say that it stands with people who are facing “difficult pregnancy decisions” and that it respects their freedom to make the best option for themselves.

Finally, the members urged others in positions of power to follow suit.

“We call on all leaders and elected bodies throughout the country to join us in denouncing the Texas state government’s conduct,” the organization said.

A spokeswoman for the municipal council denied ABC News’ request for more information on how the resolution will be enforced on Tuesday.

The decision comes as public pressure on both the government and the private sector grows in response to the Texas abortion bill.

Uber and Lyft, two of the largest ride-hailing companies, indicated last week that they would cover legal expenses if its drivers were sued under the new legislation while driving for the platforms.

Last Monday, Bumble, a dating app based in Austin, announced on Twitter that it was establishing a “relief fund” to assist people seeking abortions in Texas.