RICHMOND, Va. — A proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine abortion rights in Virginia advanced through the state’s House of Delegates on Monday, following a passionate and divisive debate. The measure, which seeks to protect access to abortion, especially in the first two trimesters, has sparked sharp reactions from both Democrats and Republicans.
The amendment, introduced by Democrats, aims to guarantee the “fundamental right to reproductive freedom” and allows for certain restrictions on abortion in the third trimester. While the proposal mirrors protections found in Roe v. Wade, it goes further in some areas, including reducing the number of physicians required to approve a third-trimester abortion if the health of the mother is at risk or the fetus is not viable. Under the amendment, only one doctor would be required, instead of the three currently mandated under Virginia law.
Delegate Candi Mundon King (D-Prince William) passionately defended the bill, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding reproductive rights, particularly in the face of growing abortion bans in other states. “Let’s pass this resolution so that people who probably couldn’t find a uterus with a map are not making decisions about women’s healthcare,” she said on the House floor.
Democratic lawmakers argue that the amendment is a necessary response to what they see as extreme measures passed in other states, including laws that restrict abortion access or impose harsh penalties. Mundon King cited examples of what she called “extreme” abortion bans, highlighting cases where young rape victims or women carrying nonviable pregnancies were being forced to carry those pregnancies to term.
However, Republicans strongly opposed the measure, arguing that it would go far beyond current state law and potentially lead to even broader abortion access than many Virginians are comfortable with. House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah) labeled the amendment as the “most extreme abortion measure in the nation and possibly the civilized world.”
Gilbert expressed concerns that the amendment could undermine existing laws and protections, particularly with respect to parental consent for minors seeking abortions. Virginia currently requires parental consent for anyone under 18 seeking an abortion, a provision that Republicans argue would be undermined by the amendment.
Delegate Carrie Coyner (R-Chesterfield) also voiced opposition to the measure, emphasizing the role of parents in guiding their children’s healthcare decisions. “I am required to be present for every single one of my children’s doctor appointments today, for everything as mundane as a cold to annual routine physicals. But this amendment would allow my daughter and countless others to make a decision that could change the course of her life without ever consulting me,” Coyner said.
Despite the heated debate, the amendment passed the House with Democratic support, marking a significant step in the effort to protect abortion rights in Virginia. However, the proposal still faces additional hurdles before it can be enshrined in the state constitution. Under Virginia law, proposed amendments must pass both chambers of the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions before they can go to voters for approval.
As the amendment moves forward, both sides are bracing for further debate and scrutiny in the coming months, with proponents calling it a crucial measure for reproductive rights and opponents warning of potential overreach. The outcome remains uncertain as the amendment’s journey through the legislature continues.
