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Board adopts resolution opposing anti‑abortion banners on Market Street, urges funds be used for public-health education
Summary
The Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution opposing banners on Market Street that said 'abortion hurts women,' urging any proceeds be dedicated to Department of Public Health campaigns promoting accurate reproductive-health information.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Jan. 31 adopted a resolution opposing banners on Market Street that stated "abortion hurts women," calling the message inaccurate and urging that any proceeds be directed to the Department of Public Health for a campaign advancing accurate, scientifically verifiable education about women’s reproductive health.
Supervisor David Campos sponsored the resolution and thanked members of the public and health advocates who spoke in favor of the measure. He said the statements on the banners were false and disproportionately harm low-income women by spreading misinformation. Doctor and public-health advocates in the audience and on the public record said abortion is safe and that lack of access to care — not legal abortion — is what causes harm.
Speakers from reproductive-health organizations and local advocates told the board the banner language caused public confusion and that San Francisco should proactively distribute medically accurate information. The board agreed to seek corrective action and asked city staff to review permitting procedures to prevent the placement of misleading health statements on city-owned infrastructure.
The item was taken separately from the consent calendar and was adopted by the board as presented.
