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Abortion policy in Virginia isn’t settled: Why this year’s election is key

July 15, 2025

Virginia faces a critical electoral battle over a proposed constitutional amendment to protect reproductive rights, with all House of Delegates seats up for election this November. Democrats, who currently hold a one-seat majority, need to maintain control of the legislature to ensure the amendment proceeds to voters in 2026, as it requires approval in two consecutive legislative sessions. Many female candidates, including Jessica Anderson who is challenging Republican Del.

Who is affected

  • Virginia residents, particularly women of reproductive age
  • Patients from neighboring Southern states who seek abortion care in Virginia
  • Women experiencing pregnancy complications and miscarriages
  • Voters who would decide on the constitutional amendment in 2026 if it passes the legislature again
  • Healthcare providers who manage reproductive care
  • The three proposed constitutional amendments' beneficiaries (those seeking reproductive healthcare, same-sex couples, and people with felony convictions who have completed sentences)

What action is being taken

  • Democrats are campaigning to maintain control of the Virginia House to ensure the constitutional amendment can proceed to voters
  • Candidates like Jessica Anderson are sharing personal abortion stories during their campaigns
  • Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia is door-knocking for candidates supporting abortion rights
  • Women Speak Out Virginia is deploying 100 canvassers to oppose candidates supporting the ballot measure
  • Planned Parenthood has launched a "Bros for Repro" campaign focusing on male candidates who support reproductive rights

Why it matters

  • Virginia is the only Southern state without significant abortion restrictions since Dobbs
  • Virginia currently allows abortion through 26 weeks of pregnancy
  • The constitutional amendment would create a fundamental state right to reproductive freedom
  • If Republicans gain control of the House, the amendment will likely not advance to voters
  • Abortion restrictions in neighboring states have led to increased complications for pregnancy care, including a 54% increase in blood transfusions during ER visits for early miscarriages in Texas
  • The outcome will impact regional access to reproductive healthcare, as Virginia serves patients from states with stricter laws

What's next

  • Virginia voters will decide control of the House of Delegates in November 2024
  • If Democrats maintain control, the legislature will vote on the reproductive rights amendment again in January 2025
  • If approved twice by the legislature, the amendment would go to Virginia voters for final approval in 2026
  • The gubernatorial race between Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger will also influence reproductive rights policies in the state

Read full article from source: The 19th