Vermont lawmakers approve abortion rights bill News
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Vermont lawmakers approve abortion rights bill

The Vermont House on Thursday passed a bill intended to protect the legality of abortion in the event the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.

H.57 passed late Thursday evening by a 106-36 vote, following Wednesday’s six-hour debate on the proposal of the bill.

Under the bill, women in Vermont would have access to abortions without any restrictions. The bill prohibits government interference and the prosecution of anyone who induces, performs or attempts to perform an abortion. The bill also states that:

Every individual has the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization. Every individual who becomes pregnant has the fundamental right to choose to carry a pregnancy to term, give birth to a child, or to have an abortion. A fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus shall not have independent rights under Vermont law.

H.57 is expected to head to the Senate in mid-March.