THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT STATES:

Declaration of Rights. Article 48

“That every person, as a central component of an individual’s rights to liberty and equality, has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including but not limited to the ability to make and effectuate decisions to prevent, continue, or end one’s own pregnancy.”

“The State may not, directly or indirectly, deny, burden, or abridge the right unless justified by a compelling state interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”

“Section 2. And be it further enacted, that the General Assembly determines that the General Assembly determines that the amendment to the Maryland Constitution proposed by Section 1 of this Act affects multiple jurisdictions and that the provisions of Article XIV, Section 1 of the Maryland Constitution concerning local approval of constitutional amendments do not apply.”

WHAT THIS MEANS:

THREATENS PARENTAL RIGHTS

The amendment is “not limited to” abortion. “Person” and “individual” applies to men and women, adults and children; therefore, a minor could obtain an abortion or gender transition drugs and surgeries without parental consent or notification. State legislators rejected attempts to add minimum age or parental consent requirements.

PUTS WOMEN AND CHILDREN AT RISK

By prohibiting the state from “burdening” these proposed rights, the amendment would prohibit our elected lawmakers from enacting any health and safety standards for women and children undergoing procedures related to the reproductive system. Existing safeguards will be repealed. This will lower medical standards and threaten conscience protection rights for healthcare professionals.

TAXPAYER FUNDED “REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM” PROCEDURES

The amendment would create an unlimited right to perform or obtain abortions and other procedures related to the reproductive system. Medical organizations providing abortions and gender transition treatments would be eligible for reimbursement using taxpayer dollars.

DENIES CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS

By denying local governments and citizens the protections guaranteed by the Constitution against government overreach and excessive taxation, including freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, due process and equal protection – the amendment creates a dangerous standard that empowers the State to violate natural, God-given rights.