ACLU Statement on Passage of H.57, Protection of Abortion Rights in Vermont
MONTPELIER, Vt. – Yesterday, H. 57 was signed into law by Vermont Governor Phil Scott. This law preserves the right to reproductive health services like abortion and ensures that no government entity can infringe upon or restrict that right.
James Duff Lyall, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, said: “We celebrate the passage of H.57 as an affirmation of Vermonters’ longstanding commitment to reproductive liberty and personal autonomy. At a time of unprecedented attacks on abortion rights, this historic legislation sends a powerful message that efforts to overturn Roe v. Wade do not reflect our values, and that we will continue to defend reproductive freedom for all.
We thank the thousands of Vermonters who spoke out in support of H.57, the countless individuals who came forward to share their personal stories, all of the legislators who worked to see this critical legislation through, and Governor Scott for signing it into law. Thanks to them, the people of this state will continue to have the freedom to define their own path without government interference or intrusion into their private decisions.
This is a tremendous, collective victory for all Vermonters, and the ACLU – together with our partners, members, and supporters – is proud to have joined in it. We look forward to building on the incredible momentum generated by H.57 to see that Vermont becomes the first state in the country to finally enshrine these fundamental rights in its state constitution.”
Chloé White, policy director of the ACLU of Vermont, said: “We all want to live in a country where people are free to make their own decisions about what is best for themselves and their families. When the right to an abortion is secure, people and families thrive, and we build communities where each of us can participate with dignity and equality. Those are exactly the values H.57 affirms. The ACLU of Vermont applauds the many individuals and organizations, legislative champions, and Governor Scott who made this historic win possible amidst an all-out assault on reproductive rights across the country. Standing together, we will lead this state and this country forward to a new and better day.”
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