Georgia Senate Bill SR136

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/15/23

Caption

Right to Reproductive Freedom; provide -CA

Impact

If passed, SR136 would have a significant impact on the state's legal framework concerning reproductive health. It intends to solidify the right to reproductive freedom at the constitutional level, making it challenging for future legislation to restrict access to reproductive care. This could lead to increased state protections for individuals seeking abortion services and related healthcare, essentially placing reproductive rights on par with other fundamental rights. The passage of this resolution could serve as a model for other states considering similar protections.

Summary

Senate Resolution 136, titled 'Right to Reproductive Freedom', aims to enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution. This bill is a response to ongoing national debates surrounding access to abortion and reproductive healthcare. Proponents argue that explicit constitutional protections are necessary to safeguard individuals' rights to make personal healthcare decisions without government interference. The resolution is positioned as a foundational step in ensuring reproductive freedoms amidst legislative efforts that have sought to restrict these rights across various jurisdictions.

Contention

The resolution has sparked a variety of responses from lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters view SR136 as a critical advancement in protecting women's rights and healthcare autonomy, while opponents fear it might lead to increased abortions and argue that such decisions should be made at the local level rather than being managed by state mandates. There is an underlying tension regarding how this resolution would interact with existing laws and proposed restrictions on reproductive health, raising questions about its practical implications in a politically divided environment.