Nine cities in Texas and Nebraska voted during the midterms to ban abortion and become become sanctuary cities for the unborn. A real pro-life wave emerged in parts of the country despite three of five states which held referendums on abortion leaning pro-abortion.
There were four cities in Texas and six in Nebraska which voted on proposals for abortion bans. Nine of these ten localities approved the measures. Following these results, the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn initiative has reached 61 members nationwide.
Athens, Texas
Voters in Athens, located in Henderson County, passed an ordinance banning abortion within their city limits with 58% in favor. The initiative also prohibits residents from having an abortion in any other state.
Abilene, Texas
An abortion ban was also imposed in Abilene in the city limits. In this case, the victory was earned with 47% of the votes of the city's 124,000 inhabitants. Abortion is also prohibited for out-of-town residents.
San Angelo, Texas
San Angelo citizens voted 56% to 44% to approve an ordinance banning abortion which also bans residents from having abortions elsewhere.
Plainview, Texas
Voters in Plainview, located in Hale County, approved an abortion ban in their city limits by a margin of 69% to 31%. "The ordinance clarifies that procedures to save the life of the mother or unborn child, remove an aborted fetus or remove an ectopic pregnancy are not subject to the proposed code. It also clarifies that contraceptive devices and pills and emergency contraceptives, such as Plan B, are not included in the ban," noted the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Residents are also prohibited from seeking abortions elsewhere.
Arnold, Neb.
Arnold, a small town in Custer County, passed by 60% an ordinance banning abortion within its city limits.
Paxton, Neb.
Residents of Paxton, located in Keith County, narrowly approved an ordinance banning abortion within its boundaries by 52% to 48%.
Brady, Neb.
Brady, a town in Lincoln County, passed its abortion ban proposal by 57%.
Hershey, Neb.
Hershey voters also banned abortion with a 57% majority.
Wallace, Neb.
Wallace, located in Lincoln County, passed an ordinance banning abortion with strong support: 64% of votes.
Curtis, Neb. - Not approved
Curtis, located in Frontier County, is the only one of the 10 localities which held referendums to reject the initiative.
