Abortion policies are in the hands of the states

Abortion policies are in the hands of the states following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe vs. Wade. Now, Vermont lawmakers are looking to provide legal protections for people who seek and perform abortions and gender-affirming care. Reproductive health care is once again on the agenda at the Vermont Statehouse. Last fall, Vermont voters passed Prop 5, enshrining the right to an abortion into the state Constitution. A bill working its way through the Legislature would shield patients and providers in Vermont from laws in other states.  It’s a big priority for Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, but not everyone is on board. Vermont Right to Life says the bill, if enacted, could have unintended consequences.  This past fall, Planned Parenthood saw a 10% uptick in people from out of state seeking abortions in Vermont. However, advocates are clear-eyed about how far this bill would go. A separate bill in the Senate would protect providers from losing their licenses in Vermont if another state charged them for a procedure performed here.