HF5084

Purpose

Explain and put to the voters a proposed change to the Minnesota Constitution that would recognize a preborn child’s right to life.

Key Provisions

• Adds a new section (Sec. 18) to Article I of the Minnesota Constitution stating that a preborn child has the right to life.
• Includes important carve-outs:
  • It does not prohibit medical treatment necessary to save the life or protect the health of a pregnant individual.
  • It does not prohibit the removal of a nonviable or deceased preborn child, including in cases of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
• The term “preborn child” is defined as a living human fetus or living human being at any stage from fertilization until live birth.

Definitions

• Preborn child: a living human fetus or living human being at any stage of development from fertilization through live birth.

Submission and Effective Date

• The amendment would be submitted to Minnesota voters at the 2026 general election.
• If ratified, the amendment becomes effective January 1, 2027.
• The voter question would read: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to recognize that a preborn child has the right to life?”
• The ballot title for the question would be: “Preborn Child Right to Life Amendment.”

Significance and Impact on Law

• This constitutional change would formally recognize a right to life for a preborn child.
• It includes explicit exceptions that allow necessary medical care for the pregnant person and the removal of a nonviable or deceased preborn child (including miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy).

Relevant Terms - preborn child - right to life - Minnesota Constitution - Article I - Sec. 18 - fertilization - live birth - nonviable preborn child - deceased preborn child - miscarriage - ectopic pregnancy - medical treatment - pregnant individual - 2026 general election - January 1, 2027 - Preborn Child Right to Life Amendment - ballot question title - amendment submission to voters