Letter to the editor: Article 22 on reproductive rights was misleading

Under Article 22 of the Vermont Constitution, Vermonters may be required to pay for medical procedures related to reproductive choice through increases in health insurance premiums.

Just one year ago, Vermont Family Alliance testified against Article 22. The following questions were asked and not answered until H89 was introduced on January 24, 2023.

County voters joined Vermonters overall in supporting winning candidates for federal and statewide office and in protecting reproductive rights in the state constitution.

Could Article 22 give men equal rights to choose?

Reproductive autonomy — the choice to determine when or whether to become pregnant — is a medical decision.

If outspoken proponents of Prop 5/Article 22 are right, it will be the first constitutional amendment that will actually take away Vermonter’s individual rights.

Letters and commentaries attacking Article 22/Prop 5 are usually self-contradictory and disingenuous.

I do not want any “compelling State interest” to make decisions for me regarding my health care.

Though I regret the lack of nuance that has permeated the abortion debate for decades, I unequivocally support the right of a woman to obtain a safe and legal abortion, and I stand firmly in the camp of those who would allow a woman to decide, with her he … (read more)

I’ve been a Vermont nurse for 35 years and have worked in three Vermont hospitals.

Ignore the noise and focus on the principle being argued. That is, the amendment simply and plainly gives women personal control of their reproductive rights. 

One of the most important items on our ballots this year is a proposed amendment to the Vermont Constitution that would enshrine the right to personal reproductive liberty in our state’s constitution.

Any constitutional amendment we are asked to vote on should be clear in its meaning and its intent.

“Dangerous misinformation” is indeed being offered, but by Dr. Till.

The passage of Article 22 would allow stopping a beating heart, thus ending a life of a human being, to become part of our Vermont Constitution.