‘Victory For Life Day’ Proclamation On Agenda For Manatee Commission

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade last month, Manatee County commissioners will consider declaring July 26 as “Victory for Life Day” in the county.

By striking down Roe, millions of women across America no longer have access to safe, legal abortions. The medical procedure is currently banned in at least eight states and severely restricted in many others, according to the New York Times. In Florida, a new 15-week abortion ban went into effect earlier this month.

Now, a proclamation celebrating the end of Roe will go before the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners at its Tuesday’s meeting. According to the board’s agenda, a motion is required to adopt any proclamation. The agenda also didn't indicate who drafted the proclamation.

Last year, the board, led by Commissioner James Satcher, a minister, attempted to move forward a county-wide abortion ban. Ultimately, the office of Attorney General Ashley Moody told the commissioners that they weren’t allowed to pass an ordinance banning abortions and abortion clinics within county limits.

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Patch has reached out to all seven commissioners for comment. This article will be updated when they respond.

The proposed “Victory for Life” Day proclamation recognizes the Supreme Court justices who supported the decision to overturn Roe — Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorusch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. (Read the full proclamation below.)

“These five Supreme Court Justices showed bravery by protecting the lives of the most vulnerable while facing harsh criticism,” the draft proclamation reads.

It also nods to other “elected leaders and countless grassroots right-to life activists and organizations (who) contributed to the defense of the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness of the unborn by supporting pro-life Justices and legislation.”

In an email to commissioners, Women’s Voices of SW Florida, a non-partisan organization dedicated to defending civil liberties and reproductive freedom, called the proclamation a “short-sighted display of political grandstanding” and “a slap in the face to the majority of (their) constituents.”

“Let us remind each of you…pro-birth is not pro-life. A ‘Victory for Life’ proclamation should include the celebration of new affordable housing, accessible healthcare, a living wage, and aid for homeless veterans,” the group wrote. “A ‘Victory for Life’ Proclamation should include examples of improved water quality, new libraries, new resources for low-income families and children not having to wear bullet-proof backpacks to school.”

Read the full draft proclamation going before the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Tuesday: