March 10th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland House voted Friday to enshrine the right to abortion in the state Constitution, one of several steps lawmakers are taking this legislative session to protect abortion rights after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year.

The House voted 99-37 for the constitutional amendment, which also is advancing in the state Senate. If the measure passes the General Assembly, voters would have a chance to approve it in November 2024.

“There’s nothing more important than ensuring that Marylanders’ personal rights and freedoms are protected and extended equally," House Speaker Adrienne Jones, a Democrat who is sponsoring the constitutional protection, said in a statement. "The House and Senate will continue to work together to ensure that we pass the full package of reproductive rights bills so anyone seeking or providing abortion care in Maryland is protected.”

The measure passed with no debate Friday, after Republican-sponsored amendments were rejected during debate earlier in the week.