Statement: Springdale a pro-life city

Action intended as a message, committee says

SPRINGDALE — The City Council’s Committee of the Whole on Monday unanimously approved a statement proclaiming Springdale a pro-life city.

The council will vote on the measure during its meeting Aug. 13.

Council members offered little discussion. Neither did the audience — and Mayor Doug Sprouse pointedly asked for comments twice.

Council member Colby Fulfer said he put the measure forward because Planned Parenthood has considered a location in Springdale for its new office.

The organization stopped providing services July 25 at its location on North Crossover Road in Fayetteville, according to the local office’s website. The group said it will announce a new location on the site.

Fulfer said the city’s measure sends a message to Planned Parenthood, “respectfully asking the abortion provider to find another city,” he said.

Calls to the regional headquarters of Planned Parenthood weren’t returned Monday evening.

City Attorney Ernest Cate said the council’s measure has no legal binding.

Cities have the authority to make statements by resolution, he continued. For example, the council passed a resolution encouraging the legislature to pass the Internet sales tax.

Fulfer insisted nothing in this measure says abortion is illegal in Springdale.

“The federal government has already made that decision,” he said. “We are not trying to overturn Roe v. Wade.

“There’s no way we’re going to ban abortion. We want to say the government of Springdale supports life.”

Fulfer said the city has made a commitment to educate all children and provide economic opportunity for everyone, as evidenced by the city’s low unemployment rates.

And, Fulfer said, the city supports several programs and nonprofit agencies helping people in desperate situations. He cited the city’s block grant program helping low-income homeowners rehabilitate property and the city’s senior center as evidence.

“As Colby said, we are a welcoming city,” said council member Kathy Jaycox, after the meeting.

She said her only concern with the measure was it might prohibit a property owner from renting, selling or using his property as he wanted.

“I don’t want to take that right away, but I do support pro-life,” Jaycox said.

Cate assured her property owners could use their land as they want, as long as they follow city codes.

In fact, Planned Parenthood could still open an office in Springdale, Cate said.

Planned Parenthood operates another clinic in Little Rock.