Virginia General Assembly Update–Week 2

Today, so many are gathered in DC for the national March for Life. We join our prayers with all who are attending today!

This morning in Richmond, life issues were also front and center during debate in a packed Senate subcommittee. The subcommittee first heard abortion-related legislation, including the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and a bill to protect life from the moment of conception. Despite powerful testimony from medical experts and other advocates, only 3 of the 9 subcommittee members supported the bills, and 6 of the members opposed them.

Next, the subcommittee heard legislation that would legalize assisted suicide. Opposition to this bill featured a compelling lineup of speakers who explained how making assisted suicide legal in Virginia would impose psychological, financial and other pressures on the vulnerable to end their lives. It would put persons with disabilities, the elderly, those with depression or other conditions, and those historically underserved or unable to afford health insurance at greater risk of coercion, abuse and medical mistakes. Fortunately, a majority of the subcommittee (5 out of 9 members) opposed this harmful and dangerous bill.

These bills will still go to the full committee for a vote on Thursday (Jan. 26). It is critical, therefore, to continue to contact your senators using our alerts on these topics! 

Finally, please register now to attend Virginia Pro-Life Day on Feb. 1 in Richmond to join us in a full day of advocacy, witness and prayer for life!

Pregnant and need help? Click here to find pregnancy resources offered by our two dioceses.

If you are not a member of the Conference's advocacy network, click here to receive regular Conference email alerts and updates. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

In prayer and in public, your voices are urgently needed to bring Gospel values to bear on vital decisions being made by those who represent you.

~~~

The Virginia Catholic Conference is the public policy agency representing Virginia’s Catholic bishops and their two dioceses.