The City of San Antonio is moving forward with plans to solicit bids from service providers for a $500,000 fund aimed at enhancing access to reproductive health care. This initiative, known as the Reproductive Justice Fund, will allocate funds to various preventative services, including economic stability, contraceptives, and youth sex education.
During discussions at City Council, considerable attention was focused on the fund’s allocation, particularly regarding the most controversial service: funding for travel related to out-of-state abortions. Despite differing views on this specific service, a majority of council members expressed support for the broader goals of the fund.
In a pre-solicitation briefing, officials emphasized that service providers are encouraged to propose solutions that address identified gaps in reproductive health care within the community. Proposals may cover a range of services, from contraceptives to educational programs, allowing flexibility for providers to tailor their bids according to community needs.
Council members Marc Whyte, John Courage, and Manny Pelaez voiced their opposition to using public funds for out-of-state abortion transportation but otherwise supported the fund’s allocation towards other reproductive health services.
The request for proposals is scheduled to be released on Monday, signaling the start of the bidding process. Of the $500,000 fund, $200,000 (40%) is designated for direct services like emergency contraception, STI test kits, home pregnancy tests, and out-of-state abortion travel. Addressing root causes of limited reproductive health access, such as housing and food insecurity, will receive $50,000 (10%). The remaining $250,000 (50%) will be allocated towards midstream needs like sex education and service navigation.
This initiative underscores San Antonio’s commitment to expanding reproductive health services and addressing community needs through targeted funding and strategic partnerships with service providers.
This update outlines San Antonio’s upcoming solicitation of bids for reproductive health services under the Reproductive Justice Fund, highlighting key allocations and council discussions on service priorities.
