Councilman proposes reimbursement for city employees who travel for reproductive rights treatments

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Councilman Reggie Gaffney proposed legislation that would reimburse city employees who travel for medical treatment related to reproductive rights.

“As a man of faith, using this would not be my personal preference. However, as a legislator, I represent all people and I will fight for their freedom and their right to have options, and every woman deserves this option. That is why I’ve filed this bill,” Gaffney said.

If passed, the legislation would start on July 1, 2022 and would include up to $4,000 in travel expenses annually for any medical treatments related to reproductive rights not available within 100 miles of the employee’s home.

Reproductive rights include:

• The right to plan a family.
• The right to terminate pregnancy.
• The right to use contraceptives.
• The right to access reproductive health services.

“I don’t think there will be any support for this bill on the city council. I’m voting “no” because I’m pro-life and will never accept taxpayer funding for anything related to abortion,” Neptune Beach City Councilor Rory Diamond said.

The legislation will be discussed at an upcoming news conference.

Read the full proposal below:

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