Over the last few years, abortion has become one of the most contentious political topics of the 21st century. The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade caused millions of people all over the country to lose their federal right to an abortion. Many different problems have emerged in the wake of the ruling, like the implementation of trigger ban laws. However, one significant and repeating problem is that state legislators are now making decisions based on the actions of dissenting politicians, despite the negative ramifications these decisions may have on civilians. 

The latest example of states punishing dissenting politicians recently occurred in Louisiana. In late July, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry delayed sending $39 million in drainage pipe funding to New Orleans that would help protect 384,000 residents from flooding, according to WWLTV. Attorney General Landry denied this critical funding because of the New Orleans City Council’s decision to not prosecute any abortion patients or their doctors.  

There are many dangers of the new post-Roe America, one of which is simply the violation of women’s rights. Millions of women in states like Texas, Missouri and Kentucky no longer have the right to their own bodies. Striking down Roe doesn’t prevent abortion; it prevents safe abortions.

Another danger is when legislators like Jeff Landry use the abortion ban as a negotiation tool for other legislation. Mr. Landry’s actions give a preview to a harrowing potential of the extreme and unnecessary consequences for those who still support abortions.

The $39 million in drainage pipe funding was directed to communities and areas that Hurricane Katrina ravaged 17 years ago. As we enter the next hurricane season this fall, their lives may be increasingly in danger for years to come if the city of New Orleans does not receive the pipe funding.

This decision also comes just as the current climate crisis continuously affects New Orleans communities. According to the New Orleans Health Department, sea levels are rising at exponential rates, hurricanes are occurring more frequently and earlier this summer and New Orleans experienced a 10-day heat wave that set multiple records. Ironically, the vote to withhold the funding was decided while New Orleans was in a flood advisory.

Attorney General Jeff Landry has the right to be angry with the New Orleans City Council and sanction them in some sort of way — whether you agree with the abortion ban or not, a law is a law. But in responding to the City Council’s disobedience, he, and any other state legislator, should not then dangle 384,000 lives as punishment. Not only is that immoral, but it is also not pro-life.