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HJR 9

Relating to the right to refuse any medical treatment, injection, device, vaccine or prophylactic

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Evan Worrell

HJR 9 aims to enshrine West Virginians' right to refuse medical treatments without discrimination, impacting individuals, healthcare providers, and public accommodations.

To House Health and Human Resources
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Bill Summary · HJR 9

Summary of House Joint Resolution 9 (HJR 9)

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HJR 9
Title: Relating to the right to refuse any medical treatment, injection, device, vaccine, or prophylactic
Status: To House Health and Human Resources
Introduced: February 25, 2025
Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJR 9 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of West Virginia, specifically adding a new section to Article III, which addresses the rights of individuals regarding medical procedures. The primary intent of this resolution is to formally recognize and protect the right of individuals to refuse any medical treatment, injection, device, vaccine, or prophylactic without facing discrimination or interference.

Key Provisions

  • Right to Refuse Medical Procedures: The proposed amendment states that individuals have the unequivocal right to refuse any medical procedure, treatment, device, vaccine, or prophylactic.
  • Protection Against Discrimination: It ensures that the exercise of this right will not lead to denial of public accommodation or equal protection under the law.
  • Designation: The amendment is designated as "Amendment 1" and is summarized as the "Right to Refuse Medical Procedures."

Affected Parties

  • Individuals: The amendment directly affects all residents of West Virginia, granting them the legal right to refuse medical interventions.
  • Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals and institutions may need to adjust their practices to comply with this amendment, ensuring that they respect patients' rights to refuse treatment.
  • Public Accommodations: Businesses and organizations providing services may need to implement policies that uphold the rights established by this amendment.

Legislative Process and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 25, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources.
  • Subsequent Actions:
    • April 3, 2025: Placed on the calendar under unfinished business.
    • April 17, 2025: SJR 9 was substituted and subsequently withdrawn.
    • May 5, 2025: Added Chief Co-Sponsors.
    • May 28, 2025: Resolution adopted with a unanimous vote of 117-0-0.
  • Next Steps: If adopted, the amendment will be submitted to voters during the next general election scheduled for 2026.

Conclusion

HJR 9 seeks to enshrine the right to refuse medical procedures in the West Virginia Constitution, aiming to protect individual autonomy in healthcare decisions. The resolution emphasizes non-discrimination and equal protection, potentially reshaping interactions between individuals and healthcare systems in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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