CACR 18: relating to reproductive medical decisions. Providing that the state shall not infringe or unduly inconvenience the right of reproductive medical decisions.
Committee: House Judiciary
Date: February 10, 2022
Position: SUPPORT
Nearly half of women of reproductive age in the U.S. are at risk of losing access to abortion this year. The U.S. Supreme Court has heard oral arguments for two cases that could overturn Roe v Wade by June of 2022, jeopardizing abortion access in our country. This means that within 6 months, 26 states may ban abortion and eliminate access to abortion for more than 36 million people. As the U.S. Supreme Court considers these cases, CACR 18 would enshrine the right to reproductive medical decisions into the state Constitution.
If and when the federal protection for the right to an abortion established in Roe is stripped away or limited, abortion would still be legal in New Hampshire; however, there are no affirmative protections in place for the right to have an abortion. We know that New Hampshire has a long, bipartisan history of supporting privacy, particularly when it comes to personal medical decisions including abortion. For decades, abortion bans and restrictions have been defeated in the New Hampshire State House with the support of both political parties.
Now, the New Hampshire Legislature has the opportunity to take a proactive step to protect abortion rights by passing CACR 18. Considering the reality that Roe v. Wade may not be the law of the land much longer – and states could be allowed to ban abortion altogether – this constitutional amendment would guarantee the right to reproductive medical decisions for Granite Staters in the New Hampshire Constitution, and protect access to health care for our citizens for future generations to come.
WE URGE A VOTE OF “OUGHT TO PASS” ON CACR 18.
For more information contact: Liz Canada, Advocacy Manager, [email protected]
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) is the largest provider of reproductive and sexual health care across the State of New Hampshire. We serve New Hampshire residents through 6 health centers in Claremont, Derry, Exeter, Keene, Manchester and White River Junction, VT. Last year we saw more than 10,000 patients at these sites. PPNNE was named a 2021 Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey, the national leader in health care consumer and workforce engagement. Press Ganey recognizes PPNNE as a top-performing health care organization, achieving the 95th percentile or above for performance in patient experience, out of more than 20,000 medical practices.
Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund (PPNHAF) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England in New Hampshire. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.