Planned Parenthood Statement on Today’s Vote on CACR 23
For Immediate Release: Feb. 1, 2024
Today, the bipartisan-sponsored CACR 23 received a 193-184 Ought to Pass vote, which fell short of the 60% majority needed to move forward. This amendment would specifically protect the right to an abortion in the New Hampshire Constitution and would allow, after 24 weeks, a licensed physician to use their professional judgment, just as they were able to prior to the 2021 abortion ban taking effect. By allowing physicians to use their professional judgment, CACR 23 would permanently put this decision in the hands of patients and doctors - not politicians.
New Hampshire is the only state in New England where the right to abortion is not explicitly protected in state law or the constitution. Last year, CACR 2 received a vote of 193-191, the first time a CACR specific to abortion received a majority vote.
Kayla Montgomery, Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund, released the following statement responding to today’s vote:
“It’s encouraging to see so many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle support our ability to live freely and support bodily autonomy. We know that the vast majority of Granite Staters want their state lawmakers to protect abortion rights, and we appreciate the bipartisan effort in the House today.
Unfortunately, CACR 23 fell short of the 60% bar needed to move forward, despite strong bipartisan support for abortion rights across New Hampshire. Without explicit protections in state law or the state constitution, Granite Staters face perpetual and unnecessary uncertainty when it comes to their reproductive rights, and New Hampshire remains just one election away from a total abortion ban.
Make no mistake: even without this constitutional amendment, abortion will still be on the ballot this November as voters choose candidates up and down the ballot, from State House to the Oval Office, based on who will fight for their reproductive freedom.”
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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.
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 5 health centers in Derry, Exeter, Keene, Manchester and White River Junction, VT. Last fiscal year we saw more than 11,000 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.