Maryland lawmakers push stronger reproductive health rights, advocates say additional resources needed

MARYLAND – Strengthening reproductive rights is on the table in the Maryland General Assembly.

Senate Bill 798 would amend an article of the state’s constitution, confirming an individual’s fundamental right to choose. That being the decision to prevent, continue, or end one’s own pregnancy.

Advocates we spoke with say Maryland already has strong protections in place for reproductive rights but seeing what’s going on nationally is a good indicator that more safeguards need to be put in place.

They tell us one thing that is lacking is available resources, especially on the shore. “We could definitely use some more resources down here. I think there’s on one Planned Parenthood and that’s far. There’s really not much on the Eastern Shore,” Democratic Women’s Club of Worcester County’s Joan Roache said.

If passed, the measure would be placed on the general election ballot for 2024 and would allow Marylanders to vote for or against the amendment.

The bill had its first hearing Wednesday afternoon and now moves to committee for consideration.