Texas House Bill HJR113

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to life of unborn children.

Impact

If enacted, this amendment would have significant implications for the legal landscape surrounding reproductive rights in Texas. It would potentially challenge existing laws and rulings that allow for abortion prior to viability, fundamentally altering how such cases are approached in court. This could lead to heightened legal disputes and a reevaluation of various abortion-related regulations in the state, reflecting and possibly amplifying the ongoing national debate over reproductive rights.

Summary

HJR113 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to the Texas Constitution that guarantees the right to life of unborn children. Specifically, it aims to amend Section 19, Article I of the Texas Constitution to clarify that the right to life protections apply to unborn children from the moment of fertilization. This resolution directly aligns with pro-life initiatives that advocate for the rights of unborn children, emphasizing the belief that life begins at fertilization.

Contention

The proposal is expected to garner substantial discussion and contention among lawmakers and the public. Supporters of the amendment argue that it provides necessary legal recognition for the rights of unborn children, while opponents may view it as an infringement on women's rights and autonomy over reproductive choices. There is likely to be fierce advocacy from both sides as the resolution moves toward a voter referendum, scheduled for November 2, 2021, to determine its fate in the state's constitution.