Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed H. 57 on Monday, a bill that puts “unlimited, unregulated abortion” into law, Vermont Right to Life Committee reports.
“By putting his signature on H. 57, Governor Phil Scott endorses unlimited, unregulated abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy," Mary Hahn Beerworth, Executive Director of Vermont Right to Life, said in a statement. "His signature signals his preference for protecting the business of abortion over other life-affirming options in Vermont statute.”
While many are claiming the bill codifies current abortion law in the state, Vermont Right to Life says that’s not true.
"H. 57 goes beyond Roe v. Wade, and may well be the most radical anti-life law in the nation," according to Sharon Toborg, Policy Analyst for Vermont Right to Life. "H.57 grants abortion providers and clinics the right to sue the State if they are not allowed to establish a new abortion practice in Vermont. Unlike providers of any other medical procedure, H. 57 grants abortion providers this private right of action against the State."
Scott, a Republican, said in a statement that his decision to sign the legislation relates to his longstanding belief in a woman’s right to choose.
“This legislation affirms what is already allowable in Vermont – protecting reproductive rights and ensuring those decisions remain between a woman and her health care provider,” he said. “I know this issue can be polarizing, so I appreciate the respectful tone and civility from all sides throughout this discussion."