Vermont Business Magazine Today, the House gave final approval to S.37, an act relating to access to legally protected health care activity and regulation of health care providers, on a vote of 114 - 24. The bill will legally shield medical practitioners, insurers, and patients providing or receiving reproductive or gender-affirming care in Vermont. They will be protected from restrictions and professional disciplinary action by other states.
After passage, House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Rep. Lori Houghton, Chair of the House Committee on Health Care, spoke on the importance of passing the bill:
“This legislation is needed now more than ever, in light of ongoing US Supreme Court cases, to protect the rights of Vermonters in making personal health choices,” said Speaker Krowinski. “S.37 addresses continued attacks on Roe v. Wade; we know our work to protect reproductive and gender-affirming care is fundamental. Safe access to reproductive care has always been a top priority, now is our time to use all the tools at our disposal to ensure that Vermonters are protected.”
“This bill represents a significant milestone for reproductive and gender-affirming care in our state. With recent threats to essential healthcare services, such as abortion and gender-affirming care, this bill sends a powerful message that Vermont is committed to upholding the rights of all individuals to make informed decisions about their own bodies and identities. By expanding access to these crucial services, we are not only supporting the health and well-being of individuals but also promoting greater equity and justice in our society. This achievement represents a vital step forward in the fight for reproductive and gender rights, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
You can learn more about the S.37 - an act relating to access to legally protected health care activity and regulation of health care providers here.
Source: 4.21.2023. Montpelier, Vt. – Speaker of the House
