Texas House Bill HJR35

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

• Filed: 8/21/25

Caption

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

Impact

If passed, HJR35 would significantly impact state laws relating to reproductive health by ensuring that individuals have a constitutional guarantee to make autonomous decisions. This could limit the scope of state legislation aimed at restricting reproductive rights, thereby enhancing the protections afforded to individuals seeking reproductive health services. The bill's supporters argue that this amendment is necessary to safeguard personal freedoms against potential encroachments by the state.

Summary

HJR35 proposes a constitutional amendment that establishes an individual's right to personal reproductive autonomy. This bill seeks to guarantee the right to make personal decisions regarding reproductive health, including but not limited to the decisions surrounding contraception and abortion. The intention is to embed these rights into the state constitution, providing stronger protection against potential future legislative changes that could restrict access to reproductive health services.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HJR35 highlighted a broad spectrum of opinions. Supporters emphasize the importance of reproductive rights as fundamental to personal freedom and privacy. In contrast, opponents often argue that such an amendment could lead to increased access to abortion and contravene other moral or ethical considerations regarding the beginning of life. This tension underscores a larger societal debate surrounding reproductive rights and personal autonomy, which is likely to manifest in legislative sessions and public discourse.