Reproductive Equity Now Statement on Committee Passage of Connecticut Constitutional Amendment To Strengthen Gender Equity Protections

HARTFORD, CT (February 28, 2025) – Today, Liz Gustafson, Connecticut State Director for Reproductive Equity Now, released the following statement after the Connecticut Government Administration and Elections (GAE) Committee voted to pass S.J. 35 out of committee. S.J. 35 would enshrine explicit protections within Connecticut’s state constitution to protect reproductive freedoms and prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. 

“Today’s committee passage of S.J. 35 was a critical step to further enshrine protections for all Nutmeggers in our state constitution, ensuring that even under attacks at the federal level, our state will remain a firewall for reproductive freedom, abortion access, and LGBTQ+ rights. This constitutional amendment would reaffirm Connecticut’s leadership on reproductive equity and LGBTQ+ rights, and build upon the state’s longstanding legacy of progress. We are grateful to members of the GAE Committee who voted in favor of S.J. 35, and the more than 2,100 organizations and individuals who provided testimony and shared their stories in support of the amendment. 

“However, we know our work does not stop here. In Connecticut, we know we still must dismantle barriers to abortion care throughout pregnancy, further protect our providers and patients, and increase access to care for all. Together, we will keep pushing for true reproductive equity, where every person—regardless of gender identity, sexuality, zip code, immigration status, or income—can access the care they need without barriers, stigma, or political interference.”

On Friday, February 7, Gustafson testified on behalf of Reproductive Equity Now at the Government Administration and Elections Committee Public Hearing in support of S.J. No. 35 Resolution Proposing a State Constitutional Amendment Concerning Discrimination on the Basis of Sex Under the Equal Protection Clause.

Last month, Reproductive Equity Now released its 2025 legislative agenda in Connecticut. The organization will be prioritizing expanding access to abortion care throughout pregnancy, bolstering shield protections for abortion providers, protecting patient access to care, and affirming the right to emergency pregnancy-related care amidst federal attacks.

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