RESULTS: Vermont overwhelmingly votes to protect reproductive autonomy, including abortion
Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images; Insider
- Vermont voted in favor of a ballot measure that would protect abortion rights.
- Proposal 5, or Article 22, makes reproductive autonomy a state constitutional right.
- Opponents said the measure would make it harder to restrict abortion in the state.
Voters in Vermont overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to amend the state's constitution and add language that protects reproductive freedom, including abortion.
Ballot measure details
Proposal 5, which was approved by the Vermont state legislature in 2019 and now in 2022 by voters, added language to the state constitution stating 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."
The only exception, the bill text states, is a compelling state interest that passes a "strict scrutiny" test. If so, the state must use the "least restrictive" method of achieving said interest.
Republican Gov. Phil Scott announced the proposal would be on the ballot after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24.
As of Election Day, the state did not have any restrictions on abortion access and allowed for abortions throughout pregnancy, according to the Guttmacher Institute.
Other states that voted to add abortion protections to their constitution include California and Michigan.
Support and opposition
"Vote Yes on Article 22" included support from Scott, ACLU Vermont, Planned Parenthood, and Ben and Jerry's.
Supporters said the constitutional amendment would help further protect the right to abortion and birth control.
Vermont Right to Life led the opposition and argued that the amendment would make it harder to pass laws in the future banning or restricting abortion.