Committee Launches Campaign to Oppose Maryland’s ‘Right to Reproductive Freedom’ Ballot Initiative
A newly formed committee launched its campaign to oppose Maryland’s ‘Right to Reproductive Freedom’ ballot initiative, set to appear on November’s ballot. Deborah Brocato, a resident of Fallston, MD, founded the state ballot group “Health Not Harm MD” to challenge the proposed constitutional amendment.
As an African American resident of Baltimore, I believe the sponsors of this amendment are using abortion as a deceptive tool to erode parental rights, particularly in the Black community. The language of the measure is ambiguous and could easily confuse voters, leading them to unknowingly support provisions that extend far beyond reproductive rights. Maryland residents should strongly oppose this initiative, as it is less about abortion and more about introducing access to sex change surgeries for minors without parental oversight.
I firmly oppose this amendment, and I urge others to join in opposition. It represents an attempt to undermine family structures and diminish parental authority, with Maryland potentially becoming a hub for sex change surgeries for minors.
The proposed amendment asserts an individual’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including the ability to make decisions regarding pregnancy, and states that the government cannot deny or burden this right unless justified by a compelling state interest achieved through the least restrictive means. However, the amendment fails to define key terms, including reproductive freedom, and sets no minimum age requirement.
Without clear age limits or parental consent provisions, this amendment could allow minors to access gender-affirming care without parental involvement or approval. The lack of defined parameters raises serious concerns about how these rights will be applied and regulated in Maryland law.
In its current form, this amendment threatens to strip away critical parental rights and protections. Marylanders should carefully consider the full implications of this measure and vote to oppose it in November.
Christopher Anderson is a third-generation Baltimorean, a father of three, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, and a lifelong community advocate. He is currently a member of the Baltimore City Republican Central Committee. He has run for Congress and the Baltimore City Council.