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does not forbid what the state permits and does not permit what the state forbids. He stressed that <br /> the proposed resolution does not make abortion after 6 weeks legal. <br /> Councilmember Shachner clarified that the existing state law does not criminalize the woman <br /> receiving an abortion, but rather, the abortion provider. He expressed concern that criminalizing <br /> women will be the next step for anti-abortion legislators. <br /> Councilmember Shachner highlighted the following points regarding the proposed resolution: <br /> • The proposed reproductive health policy can not be changed or rescinded without a vote <br /> of Council. Any proposed change will be heard in open meetings of Council where the <br /> public will be invited to attend and make public comment. <br /> • The proposed policy will be distributed to every employee in the city and provided to <br /> new employees. <br /> • The proposed policy calls for additional training for employees who are handling <br /> protected health information to ensure that privacy rights are respected. <br /> Councilmember Shachner underscored his opinion that it a senseless use of city resources to <br /> investigate an alleged abortion if the County Prosecutor will not prosecute a provider and also <br /> because women receiving abortion care can not be prosecuted under existing state law. <br /> Councilmember Shachner discussed important exceptions in the policy and explained the reasons <br /> for them. He thanked colleagues, the administration, and the public on both sides of the issue. He <br /> expressed confidence that ultimately, women's rights will be re-instated in the State of Ohio. <br /> Councilmember Bullock noted that it is uncommon for Council to create and/or approve <br /> administrative policies of the City. He questioned whether this is an administrative policy or a <br /> Council policy. <br /> Through discussion it was clarified that the policy is a joint effort between Council and <br /> administrative <br /> Assistant Law Director Swallow pointed to a few recent examples where an administrative <br /> policy was approved by Council. She further explained that the policy will be distributed to all <br /> city employees, and they will be required to acknowledge receipt of it. <br /> Acting President thanked Councilmember Shachner for his leadership on this and clarified that <br /> abortion up to six weeks remains legal in the state. <br /> ***PUBLIC COMMENT*** <br /> Cindy Strebig—2066 Baxterly Ave. Lakewood, OH—Ms. Strebig spoke in support of <br /> Resolution 2022-32 and argued against religious beliefs that prohibit abortion. <br /> 2 <br />