Texas House Bill HJR80

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the rights to an abortion and to assisted reproductive technology treatments and procedures, including in vitro fertilization.

Impact

If passed, HJR80 would significantly alter existing Texas state laws surrounding reproductive rights. Specifically, it would enshrine abortion rights within the state constitution, potentially counteracting any future attempts by the legislature to impose stricter abortion limits. This legislative change could also impact local healthcare providers and reproductive health clinics, safeguarding them from prosecution or penalties associated with providing abortion services under the specified circumstances. Furthermore, the amendment ensures the right to assisted reproductive technologies, which could enhance access to reproductive options for Texans.

Summary

HJR80 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution that guarantees the right to abortion and access to assisted reproductive technology treatments and procedures, including in vitro fertilization. The bill stipulates that a pregnant individual has the right to obtain an abortion before the fetus is viable or when necessary to protect the individual's health, and that the state cannot prohibit or restrict this right. Additionally, it includes provisions to ensure individuals have the right to receive assisted reproductive technologies, which acknowledges the importance of these medical treatments for families and individuals seeking to conceive.

Contention

The proposed amendment could ignite a robust debate in Texas, as reproductive rights remain a polarizing topic. Supporters of HJR80 argue that it is essential for protecting individual autonomy and healthcare choices, while opponents may view the amendment as excessive government intrusion into what they consider to be moral and ethical dilemmas. Notably, discussions surrounding the right to abortion often intersect with broader ideological battles regarding women's rights and healthcare access, suggesting that this resolution will be met with both staunch advocacy and fervent opposition from various interest groups.