Delaware Senate approves abortion protection amendment, seeks GOP support

Delaware lawmakers are currently debating two significant abortion-related measures: House Bill 46, which would require minors under 16 to obtain parental consent for abortions, and a constitutional amendment ensuring the right to reproductive freedom. The proposed amendment, recently passed by the Senate, aims to protect decisions regarding abortion, contraception, and infertility care from legal challenges. While the amendment has garnered support, Republican senators attempted to introduce additional requirements for abortion procedures related to mental health, which were ultimately defeated. Advocates argue that enshrining these rights in the constitution is necessary to safeguard them from potential future legislative changes. The House must approve the amendment, which would then require a repeat vote in the next legislative session for finalization. These discussions come on the heels of Delaware's existing laws that already protect abortion rights, established in 2017.