Texas House Bill HJR12

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 7/14/25

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an individual's right to personal reproductive autonomy.

Impact

If enacted, HJR12 would significantly alter existing state legislation regarding reproductive health. The amendment seeks to create a constitutional guarantee that would limit the state’s ability to impose restrictions on abortion access, thus providing greater protection for reproductive rights. By embedding this right within the Texas Constitution, the amendment could supersede any future state laws that attempt to limit access to abortion services or contraceptives. This could lead to enhanced reproductive health choices for individuals in Texas and align state laws more closely with personal freedoms related to reproductive health.

Summary

HJR12 is a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to establish and protect an individual's right to personal reproductive autonomy in the state of Texas. The resolution specifically affirms that each individual has the right to make decisions regarding their reproductive health without state restrictions. This amendment would allow individuals to obtain an abortion before 24 weeks of pregnancy, and under certain conditions, to obtain an abortion after this period if necessary to preserve their health or life. Furthermore, the bill asserts the right to obtain and use contraception.

Contention

Despite its intent to secure reproductive rights, HJR12 is likely to face significant opposition from various legislative and advocacy groups. Critics may view the amendment as a challenge to ongoing efforts to regulate abortion and reproductive health at the state level, potentially sparking intense debates about the role of government in personal health decisions. Proponents of the amendment argue that personal reproductive autonomy is a fundamental right, essential for individual freedom and healthcare access, while opponents may contend that the state has a vested interest in regulating reproductive health matters for moral or public health reasons.