Texas House Bill HJR80

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment clarifying the Texas Constitution does not secure or protect the right to an abortion or require the expenditure of public money for an abortion.

Impact

The adoption of HJR80 would solidify the state's position on abortion in its Constitution, essentially creating an explicit barrier to any interpretation that could claim abortion rights under existing constitutional provisions. Should the amendment be approved by voters, it could deter future legal arguments that seek to establish abortion rights based on broader interpretations of personal liberties within the Texas Constitution. Furthermore, it sets a precedent for other states to consider similar amendments, potentially altering the national conversation around reproductive rights.

Summary

HJR80 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution that explicitly states that the Constitution does not secure or protect the right to an abortion. This resolution is significant as it seeks to clarify the legal landscape regarding abortion rights in Texas, especially in a post-Roe v. Wade context. The proposed amendment clearly indicates that there is no requirement for public funds to be used for abortions, which aligns with the state's ongoing legislative trends aimed at restricting access to reproductive health services.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HJR80 revolve around its implications for reproductive rights and healthcare access in Texas. Supporters argue that it is necessary to prevent judicial interpretations that may favor abortion rights and to protect taxpayer money from being used for abortions. Opponents, however, criticize this bill as an extreme measure that undermines women's rights and self-determination, fearing it may escalate legal battles over reproductive choices in the future. The bill's language and intent could galvanize both advocacy and opposition groups that prioritize reproductive freedom.