Texas Senate Bill SJR3

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to life of unborn children and prohibiting abortion to the extent authorized under federal constitutional law.

Impact

This proposed amendment, if adopted, would bring significant changes to Texas law regarding abortion. It aims to align state law with the belief in safeguarding unborn children's rights. By fortifying the constitutional protection of life at conception, the measure would functionally revoke existing provisions that accommodate abortion under certain circumstances, unless those circumstances are permitted under federal law as interpreted by the Supreme Court.

Summary

SJR3 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee the right to life of unborn children and to prohibit abortion to the fullest extent allowed under federal constitutional law. If passed, it would modify Section 19 of Article I of the Texas Constitution, explicitly stating that the protections of the right to life apply to unborn children. The amendment aims to express the state's commitment to the right to life from conception onward, reinforcing the legislative intent to restrict access to abortion services within Texas.

Contention

Debate surrounding SJR3 has been expectedly polarized. Proponents see the amendment as a crucial step towards affirming and protecting the rights of the unborn, viewing it as an extension of personal and moral beliefs about life. Conversely, opponents argue that it could significantly undermine women's reproductive rights and access to safe abortion services, raising concerns about the implications of such a constitutional change on personal freedoms and healthcare choices. Legislators and advocacy groups are likely to mobilize significant resources on both sides to influence public opinion leading up to the potential vote.