Why do we need this bill?

That, you may recall, is the question that every bill sponsor must answer.

This session, we will debate amending the state constitution to protect a woman’s right to make decisions about her reproductive health care.

It’s been listed in several press accounts of the priorities for the upcoming session.

Such an amendment would prevent a future legislature from passing a bill limiting these rights.

There will also be a bill to protect a woman from Pennsylvania or Virginia, for example, who comes to Maryland for health care that is legal here but not in her home state.

That woman may be subject to civil or criminal penalties back home.

Health care providers, Uber drivers, and anyone else who provides a service for that person may also be subject to these penalties.

We need to educate everyone – legislators, the press, and our constituents, why we need this bill.

I discussed with a colleague today how best to do this.

I’ll let you know what we decide.