By Dave Andrusko
By a vote of 107-41, the Vermont House today approved Proposal 5, sending the question of whether to amend the state Constitution to essentially permit abortion on demand to the voters come November.
The proposed amendment states: “That an individual’s right to personal reproductive autonomy is central to the liberty and dignity to determine one’s own life course and shall not be denied or infringed unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”
Also known as the Reproductive Liberty Amendment, proponents of Proposal 5 “overcame the final legislative hurdle in a years-long process,” said Sarah Mearhoff. “The final call now goes to voters in November.”
“To amend the Vermont Constitution, a proposed amendment must be passed by two consecutively elected legislatures [which it has, as of today] and then approved by voters in a statewide referendum.” Proposal 5 will be known as Article 22.
According to John Klar, “Vermont established ‘abortion protections’ through delivery in 2019, in its ‘no-limits” H.57,’ overcoming Republican efforts to impose a 24-week limitation, or to exempt minor girls. Proposal 5 now seeks to cement those same horrors into the Vermont constitution, and compel conservative elected representatives to swear an oath to its abhorrent provisions.”
Proposal 5 “is reckless and irresponsible, dangerous and expensive as well as morally and ethically wrong,” says Vermont Right to Life. “The lives of countless unborn babies will be placed at further risk of abortion if Proposal 5 is adopted.”