Newtown Township’s Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution Sept. 28 supporting a woman’s right to choose over calls from dozens in attendance to table it indefinitely.
This comes as the topic garnering much discussion and community input over the past few weeks finally comes to a close.
Many of the same residents who spoke at a meeting earlier in the month once again made their voices heard.
John Abrocimento, who attended a previous meeting regarding the resolution, said, “I don’t believe that the board should be taking any stance on a contentious issue which is better addressed at the state level. To do so encourages unnecessary divisiveness among our fellow residents.”
One, Newtown resident Steve Cickay, said “For over 50 years, American women had reproductive freedom enshrined in a Supreme Court interpretation of our Constitution. Now that freedom is being eroded and the just fight to restore that freedom has begun throughout our country. As a Newtown resident, I am proud that the resolution before us is a strong local defense of the fundamental American value of freedom for all its citizens.”
Also in attendance were two rabbis who spoke in support of the resolution. One of them, Charles Briskin, said, “Jews do view reproductive rights differently than many Christians and to restrict access to reproductive health services because of a Christian world view is a violation of the First Amendment. ... I think it’s important that we understand the issues of religious freedom that are here so I do thank you for bringing this resolution to the floor.”
Resident Holly McGarry said the resolution was appropriate in Newtown Township. “I applaud women who are pro-life for themselves because that is the choice they made for themselves. I would never presume what is right for another woman because that is her body, not mine. I encourage the board to pass the resolution because I know that to be a full citizen of this country, I deserve to have full autonomy over the choices I make for my own body.”
Before the vote, others spoke in opposition to the proposal. “A resolution on this issue falls outside the purview of the supervisors’ role. That alone should be enough to decline making this resolution,” said Newtown resident Christine Andrusiewicz.
“If such a resolution were to proceed, it would only serve to put the weight of the township behind personal opinions. Your personal opinions should bear no weight in township business. Please make the decision that represents all of us residents.”
Resident Jessica Keya added, “I question why as a council of elected township officials that you’re taking on this issue that is not normal township protocol and a blatant misuse of power. I’m a young woman and there are thousands of young women in your township who feel the same. Please understand you do not speak for all women as a board.”
In response to comments, Chairman Dennis Fisher said, “I’ve got to say I’ve learned a lot in this process. ... I’m absolutely pro-choice and I believe that the life of the unborn is precious, but it must be balanced with the health and the well-being of the pregnant woman. I’d like the choice to be life, but choosing life presupposes choice.”
He continued, “I do need to let you know that there have been a lot of other people that do support this resolution. In fact, the letters that we received between the last meeting and this meeting were more in support of this resolution than not. ... This resolution has no force of law – we’re not forcing anything on anybody. We’re simply sending our message to Harrisburg.”
Supervisor Elen Snyder, the original proponent of the resolution, stated that it was not a political issue as many in attendance burst out in laughter. “There is no political motive behind this whatsoever, we’re sending a consistent message to Harrisburg and then on to the nation so that they know where we stand in this part of Pennsylvania.”
Supervisor Kyle Davis, “I thought this was a divisive topic, I didn’t want to bring it to the township board of supervisors. ... We’re going to make a lot of people on either side of this argument really unhappy with us, and that’s why I’m staying where I am on this resolution. I’m a no.”
The board voted 3-1 to adopt the resolution. Supervisors Fisher, Phillip Calabro, and Snyder voted yes. Supervisor John Mack was not present for the vote.
As opponents of the resolution filed out of the meeting room in disappointment, some could be heard yelling at the board. One said, “See you at the ballot box.” The meeting adjourned, having lasted over 3 hours.
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