Bill > SJR1

This Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a fundamental right to reproductive freedom for every individual, encompassing decisions about prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management, and fertility care. This right cannot be denied, burdened, or infringed upon unless a compelling state interest, defined as being for the limited purpose of maintaining or improving the health of the individual seeking care according to accepted medical standards and without infringing on their autonomous decision-making, is demonstrated and the least restrictive means are used. The amendment also allows the Commonwealth to regulate abortion care in the third trimester, but it explicitly prohibits prohibiting abortions that are medically indicated to protect the pregnant individual's life or health, or when the fetus is not viable, as determined by a physician. Furthermore, the Commonwealth is prohibited from discriminating in the protection or enforcement of this right and from penalizing individuals for exercising their reproductive freedom or for assisting others in doing so with consent.