ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore signed a proclamation officially enshrining into Maryland’s constitution “an individual’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom.” The constitutional amendment—sponsored by House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson—passed by over three-quarters of Maryland voters on Election Day 2024, provides the highest level of protection of abortion rights.
The Governor was joined by First Lady Dawn Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller, Senate President Bill Ferguson, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, and Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman for the signing of the proclamation.
“Since day one of my administration, I have made clear my support for a woman’s right to choose,” said Gov. Moore. “In November, Marylanders voted overwhelmingly in favor of aligning Maryland’s constitution with our values. This amendment ensures that future generations of Marylanders will have the same reproductive rights Marylanders have today—no matter who is in office.”
The Moore-Miller Administration is committed to making Maryland a safe haven for reproductive care. During the first year of the administration, Governor Moore took immediate action to protect reproductive freedom, signing into law a historic legislative package, stockpiling reproductive health medication, and expanding access to contraceptive care in underserved communities. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, Maryland voters—in partnership with the Moore-Miller Administration—have set the national standard for protecting reproductive freedom.
“In Maryland, we will always fight to ensure we’re creating a safe, equitable, and prosperous home for all, and that includes protecting reproductive rights for this generation and those after us," said First Lady Moore. "I want to thank all Marylanders that stood up and used the power of their voices and vote to defend the future of reproductive rights in this state."
“Maryland made a clear choice,” said Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. “I’m proud of our state for valuing self-determination and freedom, and for protecting future generations of women with a constitutional right to choose.”
"Today is truly a historical day for Marylanders who care deeply about constitutional protections for bodily autonomy," said Senate President Bill Ferguson. "Last year, Marylanders overwhelmingly affirmed an individual right to liberty and equality contains the fundamental right to reproductive freedom. Enshrining this freedom in the Maryland Constitution is the right thing to do now and for future generations.”
“I was proud to be the sponsor of the legislation to enshrine the right to reproductive freedom into Maryland's Constitution, and I want to thank every Marylander who voted to protect this right,” said Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones. “Because of you, we sent a message to the rest of the country that Maryland will always fight back against any effort to restrict our reproductive freedom. We know this fight is not over, and we will continue to fight until every woman in every state has the same access to the reproductive care they need to stay healthy and safe.”
“Equal rights are fundamental to the promises made by the Constitution of the United States of America. I applaud and thank Governor Moore, our General Assembly, and fellow Marylanders for recognizing the importance of reproductive freedom in our state and voting to enshrine that freedom in our governing document,” said Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. “True freedom cannot exist where anyone is denied autonomy over their own body. This measure ensures that women in Maryland will be free and empowered to make choices about what will happen to their bodies and to their futures.”
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