Oh, Look! More Abortion Drama in Austin (Because Apparently, Healthcare is a Crime Now)

In the latest episode of "Texas: The Regressive Handmaid's Tale", a former Austin City Council member (who's so conservative, he probably thinks kale is a liberal conspiracy) is suing the city again over its use of public funds to help residents access abortions. You know, the medical procedure that's been banned here in the Lone Star State unless you're literally dying.

Last week, the Austin City Council approved a budget that included a $400,000 one-time expense to expand the city's "reproductive health grant" and provide logistical support, like lodging and travel funds, for folks who need to go out of state to exercise their reproductive rights.

But no, according to Don Zimmerman (the aforementioned kale-hater), this is a violation of state abortion law and the state Constitution's gift clause. He's filed an amended petition in Travis County's 98th District Court, asking a judge to decide whether Austin is being a naughty, pro-choice city.

Zimmerman's suing the city, Mayor Kirk Watson, and City Manager T.C. Broadnax, seeking both temporary and permanent court orders to stop Austin from using the funds and to make the city repay "all public funds previously spent" on helping people access healthcare.

Neither the city nor Zimmerman had much to say about the lawsuit when the American-Statesman asked, but Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, who proposed the budget amendment, had this delightful nugget of truth to share:

"Efforts to obstruct reproductive freedom in Texas are nothing new or surprising... I remain fully committed to defending our reproductive rights here in our home city. As far as I’m concerned, our resolve remains unchanged.”

This isn't Zimmerman's first rodeo. He first sued the city in 2019 when it allocated $150,000 for similar support. After a bunch of legal back-and-forth, the Texas Supreme Court vacated all previous rulings in December 2022 because – surprise! – Roe v. Wade was overturned, and Texas banned abortion.

So now, we're back to square one. Because god forbid Texas actually helps its residents access necessary healthcare procedures.

Stay tuned for more thrilling episodes of "Texas: The Regressive Handmaid's Tale". Same time next week, folks! 🤡