New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill CACR18

Introduced
11/3/21  
Refer
11/3/21  
Report DNP
3/3/22  

Caption

Relating to reproductive medical decisions. Providing that the state shall not infringe or unduly inconvenience the right of reproductive medical decisions.

Impact

If passed, CACR18 would create a constitutional guarantee concerning reproductive medical decisions, which would stand against potential legislative or regulatory attempts to restrict these rights. This change could significantly affect existing state laws, making it more difficult for future state governments to enact laws that would limit access to reproductive healthcare or impose restrictions that could be seen as infringing on individual rights. Consequently, it may also alter the political landscape and approach toward reproductive health legislation in New Hampshire, as any future attempts to regulate this area would face heightened constitutional scrutiny.

Summary

CACR18 proposes a significant amendment to the New Hampshire constitution, specifically regarding reproductive medical decisions. This amendment emphasizes the inviolable right to make personal reproductive medical decisions and seeks to restrict state and local governments from infringing upon or creating undue obstacles to this right. By enshrining these protections in the state constitution, the bill aims to guarantee reproductive autonomy within New Hampshire, which is currently not explicitly recognized at a constitutional level. The bill articulates the fundamental nature of reproductive health decisions, suggesting they are essential to personal freedom and autonomy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding CACR18 appears to be deeply divided. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step towards protecting individual freedoms and ensuring that reproductive decisions remain personal and private, free from governmental interference. On the other hand, there are critics who may view the bill as unnecessary or as overstepping and could raise concerns over potential implications for other related legislative areas. The debate highlights a broader national conversation about reproductive rights and the role of government in personal healthcare decisions.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the implications of the amendment for future state legislation, with some arguing that it would prevent the state from making necessary regulations to protect health and safety in reproductive healthcare. Opponents of CACR18 might argue that enshrining such rights in the constitution could complicate health policy, leading to challenges in effective governance of reproductive health services. The discussions also touch upon the balance between state authority and individual rights, manifesting a broader ideological clash between progressive and conservative views on healthcare rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH CACR6

Relating to the right to compute. Providing that the right of individuals to use computation resources shall not be infringed.

NH CACR6

relating to the right to compute. Providing that the right of individuals to use computation resources shall not be infringed.

NH HC24

Constitution; amend to provide for the right to personal reproductive decisions.

NH HB302

Relating to a prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of reproductive decisions and certain employment agreements limiting reproductive decisions.

NH SB361

Relating to a prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of reproductive decisions and certain employment agreements limiting reproductive decisions.

NH HB606

Relative to a patient's right to appropriate reproductive care for medical conditions.

NH HR20

reaffirming the right for persons of all persuasions to keep and bear arms, and urging Congress and the President to cease infringement upon Second Amendment rights and to restore them where infringed.

NH CACR25

relative to the right to marry. Providing that the right to marry is a fundamental civil right and that the state shall protect the right of every individual, regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or race, to marry and to have their marriage legally recognized.

NH HB1313

repealing buffer zones for reproductive health care facilities.

NH S0027

Reproductive Rights

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB678

(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB473

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)

HI SB1225

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.