Pro-Life group continues push for abortion ordinance
A group advocating for Albany to become a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” returned to Monday night’s city council meeting, once again urging local leaders to place the proposed ordinance on the agenda. Despite repeated requests from more than 30 residents and visitors, no action was taken by the council.
With Mayor Susan Montgomery out of town, council member Austin Sherwood presided over the meeting, which was held in the smaller conference room at City Hall. The turnout caught officials by surprise, as previous gatherings on the same topic had been held at the larger Aztec Theater.
Speakers expressed frustration that the ordinance has not yet been formally considered and emphasized the urgency they feel to see it passed. Several cited Albany’s conservative values, referenced Scripture, and called for stronger local leadership. Many also took time to thank the council members for their service, acknowledging the difficulty of the issue and the pressure they are under from all sides.
The proposed ordinance is modeled after the Texas Heartbeat Act and would be enforced through a private civil mechanism, allowing individuals to file lawsuits against those who assist in abortions, including helping someone travel out of state to obtain one. Organizers claim the ordinance is designed to bar city officials from enforcing it directly, a structure intended to shield the city from legal challenges. Supporters say it addresses gaps in current law, including the lack of penalties for those who facilitate out-of-state abortions or violate federal restrictions on mailing abortion-related materials.
“I want to speak the fear of God into people considering abortion,” one attendee said at the meeting, calling on the council to take moral action. Others echoed similar sentiments, warning of spiritual and societal consequences if the town does not act.
Though supporters presented legal arguments suggesting that individual council members could add items to the agenda, none of the council members made a motion to do so. “Damned if you do, damned if you don’t,” a city employee remarked, summing up the tension surrounding the issue.
While many speakers said the large turnout represented the will of the entire community, Sherwood responded by noting that some residents have privately expressed opposition to the ordinance but are hesitant to speak out. He emphasized that many of those individuals are also pro-life but are uncomfortable engaging in the public debate. Sherwood also raised questions about enforcement, pointing out that similar ordinances in other cities have yet to result in any lawsuits.
No vote was taken on the ordinance, and it has not been placed on the agenda for the next meeting. However, council members may still request for it to be added, as long as the item is submitted at least 72 hours in advance of the August 18 meeting.
In other business, the council approved the purchase of new extrication tools for the Albany Volunteer Fire Department, selecting the $31,963.65 bid from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group out of Denton. The equipment includes lighter-weight Holmatro rescue tools, chosen over two competing bids based on performance and included features.
Financial reports showed a monthly deficit of $173,992, with water revenue down roughly $45,000 due to unseasonably high rainfall.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 18.
