As many of you know, a “reproductive rights” (unlimited abortion) amendment to the Virginia constitution is slated to appear on the ballot in the upcoming election. The language that will appear on the ballot describing the amendment is vague and misleading, and even pro-life voters might be deceived. Abortion is already on the rise in Virginia. The consequences of this amendment passing are beyond tragic.
In the last seven years, the annual volume of abortions in the Commonwealth grew 126%. In 2025 alone, at least 29,500 children lost their lives to abortion in the place we call home. If this amendment is approved by voters in November, the Family Foundation predicts that Virginia would become “one of the most extreme abortion regimes in the country.”
According to Virginians for Safe Reproductive Policy, “Reproductive Freedom is legal code for the Right-to-Abortion. The courts could certainly interpret this amendment as allowing an unfettered, unregulated right-to-abortion for any reason and at any time in pregnancy. Other states that have passed similar amendments have seen all their safe reproductive health laws overturned.”
The amendment currently faces two legal challenges:
- A Bedford County Supervisor has filed suit claiming the legislature failed to comply with the procedure requiring circuit court clerks to post proposed amendments three months before the 2025 House of Delegates election.
- In another effort, two advocacy groups and a Bluefield Town Council member have filed a lawsuit in Tazewell county arguing that the ballot language is “deceptive” and needs to be rewritten before early voting begins.
Both of these lawsuits are well-covered in this recent article: https://www.courthousenews.com/conservative-medical-professionals-sue-virginia-over-proposed-abortion-rights-amendment/?stream=top
While we pray that these efforts will be successful, we are preparing for the possibility that the amendment will ultimately appear on the ballot. If that happens, then we must become informed and help inform others so that they know to vote “NO.”
Early voting begins September 18, so we can expect to start hearing a great deal of deceptive messaging. In fact, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) recently announced that it will spend $25 million during the midterm elections, in part to “educate voters” on a number of races and ballot measures — including those that impact abortion. Virginia is one of their nine priority states. It is so important that we get the truth out there!
For more information: Ann Russell, BRWC Pres/CEO, is well-versed on legislative matters that impact pregnancy help centers and would be delighted to speak with pastors or to small groups at your church. Feel free to contact her at 540-362-3007 x130 or annr@blueridgewoman.org. Or visit https://www.supportbrwc.org/protectlifeva/
Pastors and Church Leaders — Mark your calendars! The Church Ambassador Network (an initiative of the Family Foundation) will host a Town Hall meeting on August 20 from 6:30-7:30 at First Baptist Church. There will be a time of prayer and an overview of the proposed constitutional amendment, biblical principles and practical resources.
Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please stay in diligent prayer with us for victory in this major battle in the fight for life in the Commonwealth.