The measure on the ballot is Question 1, or the “Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment.”
As explained on Ballotpedia, a "yes" vote supports establishing the right to abortion in the Maryland Constitution's Declaration of Rights.
A "no" vote opposes amending the state constitution to establish a right to “reproductive freedom,” meaning killing the unborn in the womb.
Jeff Trimbath, president of Maryland Family Institute, told the "Washington Watch" program why he is a “no” vote on Question 1.
"We think it's more aptly named the Parental Replacement Act,” he warned, “because this fundamentally will take parents out of the equation for these decisions that Marylanders make.”
Under current state law, a minor living in Maryland can’t obtain an abortion without a parent or guardian's consent. That is one of the few pro-life laws on the books in the state but Question 1, if it gets approved, will dissolve those laws if “reproductive freedom” becomes a constitutional right next week.
The elimination of a state’s current abortion laws, including in a blue state such as Maryland, is an underreported consequence of the constitution-changing abortion referendums. An abortion measure in South Dakota, for example, would end any legislative-approved abortion rules during a woman’s first trimester, AFN reported this week.
Being realistic about Maryland’s left-leaning citizens, Trimbath conceded the measure will likely pass and continue to promote abortion.
“And it's going to be extending to children the ability to make reproductive health decisions without parental involvement or even notification," he continued. "We know that based on how the amendment is written."
