Article 22. [Personal reproductive liberty] That the people are guaranteed the liberty and dignity to determine their own life’s course. The right to personal reproductive autonomy is central to the liberty protected by this Constitution and shall not be denied or infringed unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved by the least restrictive means.
Senate passed the amendment by 28-2 (Spring 2019)
House passed the amendment by 106-38. (Spring 2019)
Gov. Phil Scott has signaled his support for the amendment.
Timeline:
Both legislative bodies will take up the amendment in the 2021-22 biennium.
If both the Senate and the House approve the measure again, then the amendment would be submitted for voter approval. Proposal 5 currently contains an effective date of November 2022.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
Vermont already provides these rights legally with a recent bill passed and signed into law by Governor Phil Scott providing for full term Abortions. No need to change the Constitution for the first time since its establishment in 1793.
