Vermont House approves ‘Reproductive Liberty’ amendment

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - Abortion access is headed to Vermont voters this November after House lawmakers voted to give the greenlight to “Prop 5.”

The House voted 107-41 on the measure which would solidify the right to an abortion in the Vermont Constitution.

The Personal Reproductive Liberty Amendment will now go before voters in the November election, the final step needed to amend the Vermont Constitution.

Supporters say the amendment is needed as other states move to restrict abortion. Opponents say the language is too vague.

“For those values and rights to be protected definitively, they must be enshrined in our state Constitution. It is necessary and appropriate to let the voters decide,” said Rep. Anne Pugh, D-Burlington.

“It’s serving legislative power, it’s serving judicial power. It’s not serving the state of Vermont, it’s not serving parents, it’s not serving the minors of our state and it’s certainly not serving taxpayers,” said Annisa Lamberton of Vermonters for Good Government.

This is the second constitutional amendment passed this session. Lawmakers last week clarified a ban on slavery and indentured servitude.

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