The Reproductive Liberty Amendment, previously Prop 5, will be a ballot measure in Vermont's 2022 General Election. If passed, it would amend Vermont's constitution to protect every person's right to make their own reproductive decisions, like whether and when to become pregnant, use temporary or permanent birth control, or seek abortion care.
We are asking you to vote YES on:
Sec 2. Article 22 of Chapter I of the Vermont Constitution is added to read:
Article 22. [Personal reproductive liberty]
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.
The words "compelling state interest" provide the highest legal protection we can give a constitutional right in the United States. A compelling state interest may override fundamental constitutional rights, ONLY if it satisfies the strict scrutiny test. A state interest is compelling if it is essential or necessary rather than a matter of choice, preference, or discretion.
So in this situation, if the amendment did NOT include those words, a judge or court could limit someone's right to personal reproductive autonomy based on their choice, preference, or discretion.
In short, that sentence offers the highest protection we can give personal reproductive autonomy. If the words "compelling state interest" were not included, then our rights would be far less protected.
Important medical decisions should be guided by a patient's health and wellbeing, not by a politician's beliefs. But for far too long, politicians across the country have been fighting to restrict reproductive health care, and now they are gaining ground.
Approximately half of the United States could soon ban or greatly restrict abortion, and other reproductive and sexual health services could be on the line.
Now that SCOTUS has struck down Roe v. Wade, state-level protections are vital to safeguarding access to reproductive health care. Vermont can set an example of what is possible.
If we succeed, this will be a groundbreaking achievement. Vermont could become the first state in the nation to explicitly protect reproductive rights in its constitution and pave the way for other states to do the same.
We’re so glad you asked! The fate of the Reproductive Liberty Amendment lies with Vermonters like you. We’ll need to work together to protect reproductive freedom – for ourselves, our neighbors, and future generations.. You can support by pledging to vote “yes” on the amendment in the 2022 General Election, volunteering with our County Action Teams, or powering this movement with a contribution.
Please feel free to reach out to info@reprolibertyvt.org with any questions.
We'd be happy to help! Please complete this form or email info@reprolibertyvt.org to get in touch with a staff member.
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The Vermont for Reproductive Liberty Ballot Committee is led by the Planned Parenthood Vermont Action Fund, ACLU of Vermont, Alliance for a Better Vermont, and the League of Women Voters of Vermont.
Paid for by the Vermont for Reproductive Liberty IE PAC
