Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing an amendment to the constitution to prohibit abortion, euthanasia, and certain other acts.
If successfully passed, HJR16 would enable Texas to become part of a concerted effort among states to amend the Constitution, aiming to establish stronger legal protections for the unborn and those at the end of life. This resolution reflects a significant shift in state law, potentially overturning precedents set by decisions like Roe v. Wade. Not only does it seek to address abortion laws directly, but it also aims to eliminate practices associated with the ending of life, raising the possibility of widespread implications for health care and end-of-life decisions across the country.
HJR16, also known as Joint Resolution No. 16, proposes an application by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress for a convention under Article V of the Constitution. The purpose of this convention would be to propose an amendment that explicitly prohibits abortion, euthanasia, and other acts that deprive individuals of life from the moment of conception until natural death. This application emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of human life as beginning at conception, seeking to shift the legal foundation surrounding these issues at the federal level.
The resolution is likely to face considerable contention, particularly from groups advocating for women's rights and reproductive freedoms. Opponents argue that a constitutional amendment barring abortion and euthanasia could infringe on personal liberties and the right to make individual health care decisions. Moreover, the implications of recognizing life from conception could complicate various areas of law, including medical care, reproductive rights, and even the definition of personhood under the law, warranting a robust debate in public discourse and in legislative circles.