Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and gave the issue of abortion back to the states, the United States now has a patchwork of abortion laws. Roughly half the states have tightened restrictions, and the other half have either safeguarded access or not changed their existing policies.
In Virginia, abortion is currently legal until the end of the second trimester. Third-trimester abortions are restricted and require certification from three doctors and specific health-risk conditions, and parental consent is required for minors, with a judicial bypass option.
Julia Jensen of Advancing American Freedom says it is important for people in the Old Dominion to take notice of a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would lead to unrestricted abortion.
Lawmakers have approved the Virginia Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment, and depending on the outcome of a lawsuit that has been filed against it in Bedford County Circuit Court, it is expected to appear on the November 2026 ballot.
"What it says is that anyone has the right to so-called reproductive freedom," Jensen summarizes.
Prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, and "abortion care" are included under that umbrella term.
"So, while there may be some provisions for regulations in the late-term abortion range, for most abortions, there's going to be little protection for the unborn there," Jensen explains.
American Family News (AFN) recently reported that the Family Foundation of Virginia has been leading a large coalition of pro-life leaders to defeat the measure, and Jensen encourages pro-life voters in the state to talk about this with their neighbors, friends, and family members.
"Spread the word about just how impactful this legislation would be," she urges.
Representatives of the Family Foundation of Virginia, Virginia Society for Human Life, and John Stemberger of Liberty Counsel Action have made similar comments to AFN in recent weeks.
