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2024 SESSION

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24105237D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 28 Offered January 19, 2024 Directing the Speaker of the House of Delegates to order a study of the legal effects and consequences of a constitutional amendment enshrining a right to reproductive freedom. ---------- Patron-- Zehr ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, House Joint Resolution 1, introduced for consideration by the 2024 General Assembly Session, would amend the Constitution of Virginia to provide that  every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and that the right to make and effectuate one's own decisions about all matters related to one's pregnancy cannot be denied, burdened, or otherwise infringed upon by the Commonwealth, unless justified by a compelling state interest and achieved by the least restrictive means; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Speaker of the House of Delegates to order a study of the legal effects and consequences of a constitutional amendment enshrining a right to reproductive freedom. Such study should consider whether the phrase "This right to make and effectuate one's own decisions about all matters related to one's pregnancy shall not be denied, burdened, or infringed upon...." would apply to the umbilical cord and placenta, and if so, whether this language would (i) constitutionally protect abortion throughout all of pregnancy; (ii) legally permit partial birth infanticide or any other crime, including born-alive murder, child pornography, sexual assault, and injury, after complete extraction or expulsion from the mother so long as the umbilical cord is attached; and (iii) create a constitutional right for the parents of any born-alive or unborn child who is killed to subsequently sell the dead child's body parts.

Administrative staff support shall be provided by the Office of the Clerk of the House of Delegates. Legal, research, policy analysis, and other services as requested by the Committee shall be provided by the Division of Legislative Services. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Committee for this study, upon request.