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To start, let’s discuss what the amendment actually says, and more importantly, what it would do. Senate Joint Resolution 247 states: “Provides that every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and that such rights shall not be denied, burdened, or infringed upon unless justified by a compelling state interest.” On the surface, it sounds like a protection of rights, but in reality, it opens the door to the most extreme abortion policies in the country.
Under this amendment, Virginia would be constitutionally barred from enacting any meaningful
limitations, even on late-term abortions. It’s a sweeping change that would not only strip away
commonsense guardrails but also permanently enshrine these policies into our constitution, making them nearly impossible to reverse. That’s not a step forward, that’s a step off the edge.
Since the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, each state has had the power to determine its own laws on abortion, and Virginia is at a crossroads. If passed, this amendment would represent the most radical abortion law in the country, going far beyond what even many pro-choice voters support.
We cannot ignore what Virginia Democrats have already said and done on this issue.
The former Democratic Governor openly described a scenario where a baby is delivered and then the decision is made whether or not to provide care, an idea so extreme that it shocked the conscience of people across the nation. This is not fear-mongering; this is a warning based on their own words and actions. We must take seriously the consequences of allowing such radical policies to become permanent fixtures in our state’s founding document.
Let me be perfectly clear: we’re not just talking about access to contraception or first-trimester
procedures. We’re talking about abortions performed at 34 to 36 weeks, when a baby is fully
viable and capable of surviving outside the womb. These are human lives, and they deserve the
protection of law. When my colleagues and I pressed the proponents of this amendment on
these late-term procedures, they didn’t deny it; they deflected and shifted focus to what other
states have done. Instead of defending their policy, they point fingers and dodge the hard
questions, because the truth is too extreme to admit out loud. We are already seeing an increase in out-of-state abortions being performed here under the current law, and we can only imagine how those numbers will surge if this amendment is allowed to pass. Another major concern is that it also gives minors the right to reproductive freedom. And that includes the right to abortion. This Amendment will strip the ability for parents to be a part of their minor children’s healthcare decisions and place those choices in the hands of strangers.
It saddens me deeply that this so-called “right to reproductive freedom” has already passed
once through the General Assembly. If the makeup of the legislature doesn’t change, it will pass
again, and not even a Republican Governor could stop it once it reaches the ballot.
That’s because constitutional amendments bypass the Governor entirely; it will be up to voters to stop it at the ballot box. This is why the upcoming election is so critical: it is our last line of defense
against a policy that fundamentally devalues life. We need leaders in Richmond who will stand firm and reject this kind of extremism, not ones who will rubber-stamp it. The future of our laws, our constitution, and most importantly, our children and grandchildren depend on what we do next.
My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected]
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