Vermont lawmakers are taking steps to ensure that abortion is a right for women in the state in the event the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.
Vermont follows New York, which last week enacted one of the country's strongest protections for abortion rights. The House legislation, sponsored by about 90 of the 150 representatives, states that "every individual who becomes pregnant has the fundamental right to choose to carry a pregnancy to term, give birth to a child, or to have an abortion." The measure would take effect immediately if passed.
The Vermont Senate also plans to propose an amendment to the state constitution that would protect abortion rights. Senate leaders are expected to introduce an amendment soon.
A 1971 Vermont Supreme Court decision legalized abortion in the state before Roe, said Mary Beerworth, executive director of the Vermont Right to Life Committee.
For that reason, she said she doesn't see the purpose of what the Legislature is doing.
All contents © copyright 2019 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
