Signed by Governor Phil Scott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands and protects abortion access as a fundamental right.

Highlights:

• Requires the right to an abortion procedure be safeguarded and shall not be denied, restricted, or infringed upon by a government entity (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes an individual to have the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus shall not have independent rights under Vermont law (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits a public entity from the following action, including, but not limited to (Sec. 2):

• Depriving a consenting individual of the choice to terminate the pregnancy;

• Interfere with or restrict benefits, facilities, services, or information; or

• Prohibit a health care provider from terminating a patients pregnancy.

• Defines “Public entity” as the legislative, executive, or judicial branch or state government, or any agency department, office, or other subdivision of state government (Sec. 2).

• Defines “Health care provider” as a person, partnership, corporation including a healthcare facility that is licensed and certified by law to provide professional health care services during an individual’s medical care, treatment, or confinement (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this act shall take effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text