Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has signed four bills protecting reproductive rights in Seattle.

Harrell was joined at the August 15 signing ceremony by City Councilmembers Lisa Herbold and Tammy Morales, sponsors of two of the bills. City Councilmember Kshama Sawant, sponsor of the other two measures, was not present.

The package of legislation was passed by the Seattle City Council in the wake of the US Supreme Court decision reversing Roe v. Wade and removing federal protections for reproductive rights.

"The Supreme Court's decision is a dangerous and decades-long leap backwards that will lead to significant and harmful consequences for women and all those seeking abortions, with disproportionate impacts falling on women of color. We must use every tool available to safeguard fundamental civil rights of privacy and autonomy," Harrell said at the signing ceremony.

"These bills take necessary action to ensure that Seattle is a city where abortion and reproductive healthcare are available to all who seek it and that we are ready and able to safely serve patients from out of state seeking care here. I want to thank the advocates and providers who have stood firm in their commitment to safe, accessible care."

The measures sponsored by Herbold and Morales are designed to protect the rights of people seeking abortions. CB 120374?adds people who have received or are seeking abortions as a protected class, ensuring their civil rights protections. CB 120376?creates a misdemeanor charge for people who encroach on those seeking abortions or gender-affirming care.

The bills sponsored by Sawant are more sweeping in their scope, committing Seattle to providing proactive assistance to people seeking abortions, including those from jurisdictions where abortions are illegal. CB 120375?establishes Seattle as a sanctuary city for those seeking abortion care?and prevents pursuit by Seattle Police of out-of-state warrants related to abortions. CB 120366?appropriates $250,000 of city funds to fund expanded access to reproductive healthcare by making an investment in the Northwest Abortion Access Fund.

Brenda Lopez, executive director of the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, said the new legislation would help people with unsettled immigration status.

"When I decided to get an abortion, I was terrified that my information would be given to Immigration Custom Enforcement and my decision would one day be used against?me," Lopez said.

"All immigrants deserve to have autonomy over their bodily choices without fear of persecution.? We know what is right for us, and I'm overwhelmed?with joy to see our laws in Seattle reflect that."