Support Vermont's Reproductive Liberty Amendment!
Friends -
Last week, we saw the passage of Proposal 5, The Reproductive Liberty Amendment. At a time when we are likely to see Roe v. Wade overturned, and more and more restrictions are placed on people’s reproductive rights all over the country, it is hopeful and encouraging to see Vermont leading the way and providing a model for enshrining and protecting those rights in our state constitution.
“Committing to supporting reproductive liberty means we are choosing to invest in safe and supportive care for our communities. It means we are educating ourselves and working to understand the care that marginalized Vermonters require to live safe and healthy lives. The beauty of choice is that it doesn’t force anything in one direction or another. It simply provides options for those who need them. Who are we to define what those needs are? Ensuring reproductive freedom makes it known that we support and honor one’s right to bodily autonomy.” - Rep. Heather Surprenant (Windsor 4-1)
The Reproductive Liberty Amendment:
Protects the right to have an abortion.
Protects the right to become pregnant and to carry a pregnancy to term.
Protects the right to choose or refuse contraception.
Protects the right to choose or refuse sterilization.
The Reproductive Liberty Amendment is about choice, autonomy, and consent. It doesn’t change existing laws, but it protects our rights going forward. While these rights are already protected by Vermont State Statute, a constitutional amendment is an important companion. State statute can be more easily amended from session to session. The process of amending the constitution takes four years and must not only pass the House and Senate twice, but must also be approved in a statewide vote by the people of Vermont. And as the foundation of our laws and our government, our constitution should reflect our values and protect our rights.
“In my past work providing financial aid for abortion services and reproductive health care [as a co-founder of Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom], it was my honor to hear many people’s stories about why they were seeking care. Each story was unique, vulnerable, and thoughtful. Often people were balancing the needs of children and dependent family members, managing serious health issues, surviving domestic or sexual violence, struggling with extreme poverty, or simply weren’t ready to bring a child into the world. That experience taught me how personal these decisions are. I hope that as the reproductive liberty amendment moves forward, it spurs us to commit not just to legal security, but to functional, equitable access to reproductive health care for all Vermonters.” - Rep. Selene Colburn (Chittenden 6-4)
Even in Vermont, access to care is a challenge for many people. Abortion funds exist because abortion being legal does not guarantee equal access. Organizations like Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom help people get the support that they need.
We hope that the Reproductive Liberty Amendment will not only provide legal protections, but can also guide our values, to ensure support and equal access to care across communities. As Rep. Heather Surprenant stated on the day of the vote: “We need patient centered care that accommodates the varied needs and circumstances of human experience. Proposition 5 is more than a woman’s issue. It’s a queer issue. It’s a non-binary issue. It’s a trans issue.”
Join us this November in voting YES on Vermont’s Reproductive Liberty Amendment!
As the amendment (Prop 5) goes to the voters in November, we can expect a flood of out of state money and misinformation. It is important to remember that voters talking to voters is more powerful and effective than all the attack ads and misinformation that money can buy.
Get involved with the coalition to pass Vermont’s Reproductive Liberty Amendment today!
Thank you for your support,
-Jesse
Legislative Assistant
Vermont Progressive Party
