Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR104

Caption

Urging the Congress of the United States to propose for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution which would prohibit, with one exception, the practice of abortion within the United States or in any place subject to their jurisdiction or, in the alternative, applying to Congress to call a convention, pursuant to Article V of that Constitution, for the specific and limited purpose of proposing such an amendment to that Constitution for ratification.

Impact

If adopted, HJR104 would significantly impact federal and state laws regarding abortion, effectively nullifying the protections granted under Roe v. Wade. The resolution emphasizes the importance of recognizing the rights of the unborn, proposing that the word 'person' be redefined to include all human beings, regardless of their stage of development. Moreover, the proposed amendment includes clauses that would allow for certain medical procedures to protect the mother, indicating a narrowly defined exception rather than a broad allowance for abortion services.

Summary

HJR104 urges Congress to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution that would prohibit almost all abortions, with limited exceptions, in order to protect what the bill characterizes as innocent human life. The resolution argues that American laws should fully protect human life from the point of conception and criticizes the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade, claiming it has led to the demise of this protection across many states. The bill outlines historical attempts by state legislatures to overturn Roe v. Wade through various joint resolutions and highlights the need for continued efforts in this direction.

Contention

HJR104 raises considerable debate surrounding the contentious issue of abortion rights in the U.S. Supporters advocate for the protection of unborn life and propose this amendment as a necessary step towards broader rights for fetuses. Critics, on the other hand, argue that such measures undermine women's rights and reproductive freedoms, raising questions around personal choice, healthcare access, and the implications of altering constitutional interpretations. The bill's progression and the call for a potential constitutional convention could ignite further division among lawmakers and constituents alike.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR35

Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.

TX SJR36

TX SJR52

Extending the deadline for the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.

TX SCR17

Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification the "Keep Nine" amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX HCR22

Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification the "Keep Nine" amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX HCR20

Urging the U.S. Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX HCR5

Urging the U.S. Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX HCR7

Urging the U.S. Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX SJR35

Proposing a constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.

TX HJR7

Proposing a constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.

Similar Bills

TX HJR77

Rescinding the 1899 application of the 26th Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call an unrestricted national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing undisclosed amendments to that Constitution.

TX HJR144

TX HJR101

Rescinding the application of the 26th Texas Legislature made in the year 1899 to the United States Congress to call an unrestricted national convention, pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution, for proposing undisclosed amendments to that Constitution.

WV SCR44

Clarifying 1972 Equal Rights Amendment

TX SJR38

Rescinding certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that Constitution.

TX HJR78

Rescinding the 1901 and 1911 applications to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the direct election of U.S. Senators.

TX SJR53

Rescinding every application made at any time by the Legislature of the State of Texas to the United States Congress to call a national convention, pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution, for proposing any amendment or amendments to that Constitution.

TX HCR57

Clarifying that the 1972 ratification by the 62nd Texas Legislature, 2nd Called Session, of the proposed 1972 Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was only valid through March 22, 1979.