SF Supervisors Debate Opposition To Ban On Gender-Based Abortions
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - San Francisco could become the first city in California to go on record as opposing a state ban on gender-specific abortions if a resolution proposed by Supervisor David Chiu is adopted.
The Sex-selective bans forbid parents from ending a pregnancy based on the gender of the child. However backers of the resolution, including Board President Chiu, say the ban promotes a racial stereotype that such laws are required to stop Asian Americans from selecting male babies over females.
Such bans are on the books in eight states, but legislation aimed at creating national bans have been repeatedly knocked down in Congress, according to the San Francisco Examiner.
Chiu said he introduced the resolution following the introduction of a California bill in May. He said he fears it could lead to racial profiling of patients and the denial of health care services to women.
Debate on the proposal was scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday.