San Antonio, TX – Today, Avow announced our first ever endorsement in a local election. Avow is an organizing, powerbuilding, and culture-change org before we are an electoral org, which means that our allegiance is to reproductive justice over elections. We endorse candidates who will use their platform to advance reproductive justice and abortion access. We decided to endorse in this race to secure the long-term sustainability and expansion of San Antonio’s Reproductive Justice Fund.
In September 2023, Avow worked alongside partners and San Antonio City Council to allocate $500,000 from the city budget towards practical support for reproductive healthcare. And just last week, our coalition secured an additional $100,000 to go directly towards practical support for Texans seeking abortions out of state.
The Reproductive Justice Fund of San Antonio is a commitment to care, dignity and trust against extremist attempts to control our lives and health. It’s an investment in public safety and community health – precisely what local governments are entrusted to do. In this political moment, too many people in our communities are feeling scared and isolated, and this is doubly so for those who find themselves needing healthcare that has been criminalized by the state.
Melissa Cabello Havrda is the only candidate who, during our screening process, committed to securing additional funds for practical support for trans and non-binary Texans traveling out of state to receive gender-affirming healthcare. She is also the only candidate who presented a concrete plan to, during her first quarter as Mayor, ensure that the RJ Fund is enshrined as a standing budget line-item. Additionally, she agreed to put informational resources for Texans seeking reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare in municipal buildings.
Avow’s policy director Yaneth Flores issued the following statement:
“Our city budgets should be a reflection of our values. The San Antonio I know is a beautiful place that supports pregnant people and queer and trans Texans. San Antonio is one of 4 cities with a population over 1 million that is farthest away from a state with legal abortion access. That is a unique public health crisis that deserves unique solutions. As the attacks on bodily autonomy continue from the federal and state administrations, we deserve a mayor who will fight back against those attacks and champion solutions that have an immediate impact of expanding access to care. We are proud to endorse Melissa Cabello Havrda for Mayor of San Antonio and applaud her commitment to the San Antonio Reproductive Justice Fund.”
What the candidate says:
“I’m incredibly honored to receive Avow’s first-ever municipal endorsement. Avow has been a fierce, fearless partner in the fight for reproductive freedom. Through the Reproductive Justice Coalition, we helped make our Reproductive Justice Fund a reality, and secured separate support for logistical support for abortion travel. Together, we’ve shown what’s possible when we lead with courage and community.
With rights under attack at the state and federal level, cities must lead with bold, life-saving policy. I’m proud to stand with Avow and continue the fight for dignity, care, and justice for every Texan.”
—Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda, candidate for San Antono Mayor
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