ENSHRINING ABORTION RIGHTS IN VIRGINIA’S CONSTITUTION

Reproductive Freedom Constitutional Amendment Timeline

  • January - February 2025: The General Assembly will vote on Senate Joint Resolution No. 1 (SJ 1) and House Joint Resolution No. 1 (HJ 1), marking the first step toward securing a constitutional amendment to protect reproductive rights. Both resolutions need a simple majority in each chamber to pass.

  • November 2025: Virginia voters will head to the polls to elect a Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and the entire House of Delegates. The outcome of these elections will be critical in determining the future of reproductive rights in the state.

  • January - February 2026: If pro-choice leadership remains in control of the House of Delegates, the General Assembly will vote once again on SJ 1 and HJ 1. If they pass a second time, the amendment will proceed to the next stage without needing the Governor’s approval.

  • November 2026: The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot, where voters will have the final say in enshrining reproductive rights in Virginia's constitution.

Why a Constitutional Amendment to Protect Reproductive Rights is Crucial

Passing a constitutional amendment to protect reproductive rights in Virginia is essential to safeguarding the fundamental right to abortion access for future generations. Without this protection, reproductive rights remain vulnerable to shifting political landscapes and the whims of elected officials who could impose restrictions or outright bans on abortion.

A constitutional amendment offers the strongest, most permanent protection against efforts to erode or eliminate abortion rights in Virginia. As we’ve seen in other states, when these rights are left unprotected, they can be quickly dismantled through legislation, court rulings, or executive actions. By enshrining reproductive rights in the Virginia Constitution, we can ensure that every individual maintains control over their own body, health, and future, regardless of political changes.

This amendment is not just about protecting the right to choose—it’s about defending the broader values of privacy, bodily autonomy, and freedom. For the many Virginians who rely on reproductive health care, including safe access to abortion, this amendment would provide security and certainty in their ability to make personal health decisions without government interference. Protecting reproductive rights through a constitutional amendment is not just a political issue—it’s a moral imperative to safeguard freedom and dignity for all Virginians.