Abortion travel ban struck down in Amarillo, largest conservative city to do so

AMARILLO – Months of debate led to the rejection of an abortion travel ban in Amarillo.

Statewide anti-abortion activists have pushed the so-called ban that was struck down four to one.

Amarillo is now the largest conservative city in the state to reject the proposed policy.

It would have restricted the use of city roads and highways to travel for an abortion out of state.

“There is a role for the council to do something if it is clean and clear cut and dry,” said Mayor of Amarillo Cole Stanley. “This one is not. And so I hate to see this go to the ballot, because of the strain that it’s going to put on the community.”

The small city’s council first debated the issue last year when cities and counties in the Lone Star state passed similar laws.

Abortion rights advocates and legal experts maintain the laws are unconstitutional.