Vermonters Approve Constitutional Amendment to Protect Abortion in Landslide Vote

11.08.2022 – (PRESS STATEMENT) Tonight, voters in Vermont overwhelmingly passed The Reproductive Liberty Amendment, choosing to amend their state constitution to affirm the right of every Vermont citizen to reproductive freedom, including the right to abortion. Vermont’s vote follows the historic vote by Kansans earlier this year to protect abortion rights.

Statement from Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights:

“Vermont voters tonight have made it clear that bodily autonomy is a fundamental right for the people in their state. Now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, state constitutions are vital to safeguarding access to abortion. Vermont has set an example of what is possible for other states.”

Tonight’s vote constitutionally protects every Vermonter’s right to make their own reproductive decisions, including whether and when to become pregnant, use temporary or permanent birth control, or seek abortion care. Currently, the right to abortion is protected in state law. In 2019, the Vermont State Legislature passed a law recognizing the fundamental right of every individual who becomes pregnant to choose to carry a pregnancy to term, to give birth to a child, or to have an abortion.

Voters in four other states are also voting on abortion-related ballot initiatives tonight: California, Kentucky, Michigan, and Montana. The Center for Reproductive Rights’ interactive map shows the status of abortion access in each state. 

About The Reproductive Liberty Amendment:
The amendment will be added as Section 2. Article 22 of Chapter I of the Vermont Constitution. It reads: “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.”

 ###

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]