(TRENTON) — Assemblywoman Andrea Katz recently introduced resolution AJR-207, which would urge the United States Congress to start the process of convening a constitutional amendment that would enshrine abortion and in vitro fertilization (IVF) access across the country. Assemblywoman Carmen Morales also sponsored the resolution.

“After last month’s election results, we know there won’t be any federal protections coming to protect access to abortion or IVF,” said Assemblywoman Katz (D-Atlantic, Burlington). “If anything, we can expect efforts to encroach on our basic freedoms. That is why I am going to use my authority as a state legislator to begin the process of calling for a constitutional convention.”

According to Katz, a constitutional amendment proposed by Congress through a constitutional convention, and ratified by three-fourths of the states, would ensure that all individuals, regardless of where they live, have access to essential reproductive health services.

“I’m thankful that I am able to raise my kids in a state where we respect the freedom of bodily autonomy, but this is a right that is denied to far too many individuals across the country. It is up to us to do everything in our power to ensure our kids and grandkids don’t have fewer rights than we grew up with,” said Assemblywoman Katz. “That’s why we need to act now and act fast to protect these basic freedoms.”

“This resolution goes beyond party lines; it would ensure that reproductive rights are protected nationally so that the well-being of individuals and families is not jeopardized when crossing state lines, where access to care may vary based on local legislation,” said Assemblywoman Morales (D-Essex). “By enshrining the right to access to essential reproductive health services into the Constitution, we would be providing security and stability for millions across the country.”