“Question 1” can affect reproductive healthcare for Marylanders
Reproduction Rights
MARYLAND – Currently, in the state of Maryland, abortion is legal until fetal viability, protecting the life of the pregnant woman or if there is a genetic defect or serious deformity, or abnormality. Voters in 10 states will decide this November whether to adopt constitutional amendments that could shape the future of abortion access in their states.
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, 22 states have banned or restricted abortion before fetal viability. Last year, Maryland state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 798, a proposed constitutional amendment that prohibits the state from “directly or indirectly” denying or abridging that right “unless justified by a compelling state interest.” This year, voters will get to choose if the amendment should be adopted.
Dr. Sandy Pope is the Director of the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement or P.A.C.E. for short at Salisbury University. “These questions are almost always written in a way that can feel really difficult to understand what they’re actually saying. So, if you look at the question and you’re confused by it, you’re not alone…. This question is asking the citizens of Maryland whether or not they think there should be an addition to the State of Maryland Constitution, that would in effect, protect reproductive rights, specifically in this case, thinking about access to abortions.”
He answers the common questions concerning Question 1. “If you vote yes on “Question 1″, it means that you do want the Maryland State Constitution to be amended. That means that you would add language in there, protecting in this case, reproductive rights… Meaning it would be much more difficult to remove those rights and that access in the future, if this question passes.”
A poll shows 69% of Marylanders will vote in favor of the ballot measure, which only needs 51% to pass. Dr. Pope explains what happens if the question is approved either way. “Any access that you have or don’t have today, you would have or not have regardless of what happens with this question on election day. What this question does do is kind of the word they use is enshrine, that means add additional protections.”
Dr. Pope says if you’re not decided you don’t have to vote, however, amendments can only be decided by citizens. “The constitution is the document that citizens agree to, that says this is how our government is going to run. And so, the constitution, when it’s amended, needs to be amended with the input of the people.”
Groups in support of the amendment say protecting abortion through the state constitution offers greater security to reproductive rights, and those who oppose say it doesn’t protect any rights of the unborn and the use of late-term abortion procedures can be dangerous. “Question 1” is not to be confused with Wicomico County’s “Question A”. Question 1 will be on the ballot for all Marylanders and if you are confused or have any questions, visit the Board of elections website.
