Posted on 06/30/2022 10:24:16 AM PDT by Ebenezer
(Translation)
Independent Representative Luis Raúl Torres Cruz introduced two proposals to call on the people through a special referendum to decide if they wish to recognize the right to life of a conceived child and affirm the mother’s own right to life, or that abortion be free and unrestricted.
“Certainly, there are diverse visions on abortion and the Legislature as an institution has not been able to reach a position of consensus on the matter. Therefore, these proposals aim at having the sovereign people of Puerto Rico express themselves directly in a constitutional-amendment consultation so the matter may be settled,” the legislator stated.
Torres pointed out that a debate has ensued in Puerto Rico between opposing groups. He explained that, on one hand, there are groups that consider that both lives must be protected and that abortion must be prohibited, while, on the other hand, there are those who consider that abortion is a woman’s right as part of her sexual and reproductive rights. Therefore, abortion must be legal, free, and unrestricted.
In written statements, the representative mentioned that, given this scenario, two proposals will be presented so the people, in their exercise of sovereignty, decide which of the two visions must prevail.
He detailed that the proposals presented in this legislation consist of the following: to recognize the right to life of both a conceived child and the mother, for which respect, defense, and vindication of those rights will be guaranteed by law; or to recognize the sexual and reproductive rights of all human beings, making abortion legal, free, and unrestricted while following acceptable medical standards.
“This consultation will be brought before eligible voters in Puerto Rico in a special referendum to be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023, and the State Elections Commission (CEE) will be the organization in charge of holding it, in addition to developing an orientation campaign during the 60 days prior to the date of the referendum,” he added.
Concurrent Resolution
House Concurrent Resolution 56 proposes adding a Section 20 to Article 11 of the Commonwealth Constitution so as to “grant the people of Puerto Rico the right to life of a conceived child and, in the same manner, affirm the right to life of the mother, which must be guaranteed, defended, and vindicated through laws that must prohibit abortion unless there is no other measure to save both lives.”
“Or, on the contrary, to recognize the sexual and reproductive rights of every human being, affirming that abortion will be legal, free, and unrestricted following the acceptable medical standards, and to dispose that the consultation be brought before the Puerto Rican electorate for its consideration; and for other related ends,” the introduced legislative measure adds.
The bill stipulates that the proposed consultation in the Concurrent Resolution be brought before voters in a referendum to be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Section 2 of the Resolution specifies that the CEE will develop an orientation campaign during the 60 days prior to the date of the referendum.
Likewise, the legislation establishes that the President of the CEE will submit a certification of the referendum results to the Governor and the Legislature no later than 48 hours after the vote count has been finalized. In this context, it adds that the Governor will issue a proclamation within 30 days of the vote-count certification, with the amendment being in force immediately following the proclamation.
Tied to the above bill, House Bill 1410 provides for calling on the people of Puerto Rico to express themselves through their eligible voters participating in a special referendum.
Puerto Rico ping
Putting it to a public vote. Imagine that. I guess it’s too simple a concept for most US Politicians to grasp.
So lets suppose the people choose right to life. How long after this vote, which will represent the will of the majority of the people, will be in court so the LOOSERS can cry and whine that the voters were wrong and their vote needs nullified and overturned??
That can always happen, so the Elections Commission would have to ensure the vote count was conducted properly and that there was no hint of voter suppression.
Possible reluctance to put a question of public morality to the public is tied to the politicians inability to abide by the answer (or answers) they will receive.
Polling suggests the public supports limited access to abortion in the early stages of pregnancy but turns decisively against it once the point of viability is reached and passed. That’s a complex answer and abortion rights activists and the politicians in their thrall don’t like any answer except unlimited access to abortion conception through birth.
Still, congratulations Puerto Rico! Instead of wasting time with speeches and protests and threats, you got the basic message of the ruling: this is an issue for the people of each state and their most immediate elected representatives to decide for their community (and their community only).
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