New Orleans forced to choose between flood prevention and abortion access

The state of Louisiana refused to provide $39 million in funding for a major project to help New Orleans protect itself from flooding because of the city’s stance on abortion.

As Louisiana seeks to ban abortion on its territory, the city council of the city of New Orleans decided on July 7 to protect access to abortion. The city government has ordered its police not to use public funds to investigate abortion cases.

In response to the city’s decision, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry asked the Louisiana State Bond Commission to freeze all funding to New Orleans.

To unblock the disbursement of money to the municipality, Prosecutor Landry demanded that New Orleans implement a law passed by Louisiana, but he demanded that the City Council, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the Police Chief, the Sheriff and the City Attorney General agree. Uphold the law by cooperating with state employees.

However, for the second time, Louisiana refused to finance the ambitious aqueduct project, whose main objective was to protect the municipality from flooding during storms. Dubbed “New Sewerage and Water Board Power Plant, Planning and Construction”, the project was originally scheduled for completion in 2024.

The project, which was first blocked on July 21, lost 7 votes to 6 last Thursday.

Mayor Cantrell called the withholding of funding for one of the most “important and valuable infrastructure projects” “disappointing and appalling.”

“Regardless of the outcome of this case, my administration will continue to prioritize the needs of our citizens, including improving our aging infrastructure, building our city’s resilience and protecting women’s rights.” she added.