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Committee hears constitutional amendment to enshrine a 'medical freedom' right; moves to special calendar
Summary
Chairman Balsa introduced a proposed constitutional amendment described as enshrining a right to refuse unwanted medical procedures; members questioned scope, and the resolution will go to the special calendar for further consideration.
Chairman Balsa presented House Joint Resolution 28 to propose a constitutional amendment that would enshrine a right to medical freedom — described by the sponsor as a right "not to undergo an unwanted medical procedure." He told the committee the language includes the qualifier "absent due process of law" and that courts have long recognized conditional rights that courts must balance against public interest.
Members asked about examples, workplace implications and why the sponsor chose a constitutional route instead of statutory change. Chairman Balsa said the amendment would place the question before voters and that courts would apply well-established standards such as strict scrutiny when rights are limited. The subcommittee moved HJR28 to the special calendar for continued consideration.
