FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2024
Media contact: Kelsey Cowger (kelsey@progressva.org / 434-484-2795)
Richmond, VA — Today, the Virginia House Privileges and Elections Committee took a historic first step, by a vote of 12-9, to advance a constitutional amendment that would protect the full spectrum of reproductive health care, including abortion, contraception, and fertility care in Virginia.
This marks the beginning of a series of actions needed to fully enshrine reproductive freedom in the Virginia constitution. The amendment now moves to the House floor, where it will be voted on during the 2025 General Assembly Session.
Virginians for Reproductive Freedom (VRF), a coalition of patients, providers, and advocates for reproductive rights, health, and justice, celebrates this significant win. With this advancement, Virginia is poised to join other states that have proactively protected the rights of individuals to make private health care decisions without government interference.
“Today’s vote affirms that reproductive freedom is a fundamental right that the Commonwealth of Virginia is ready to protect,” said Breanna Diaz, spokesperson for VRF. “We are grateful to Majority Leader Charniele Herring, Chair Marcia Price, and legislators who listened to Virginians and took action to protect these essential rights for everyone in the Commonwealth.”
The advancement of this amendment aligns with public opinion in Virginia, where the majority of voters have expressed support for reproductive freedom and believe that healthcare decisions should be made free from political influence.
VRF is proud to stand alongside lawmakers, community members, and advocates in the fight to secure these essential freedoms. We look forward to continuing this momentum and seeing Virginia’s commitment to reproductive freedom enshrined in our commonwealth’s constitution.
For more information, or to get involved with this initiative, please visit their website at https://www.va4reprofreedom.org.
Virginians for Reproductive Freedom
- American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Virginia
- Birth in Color
- Equality Virginia
- Hamkae Center
- National Council of Jewish Women – Virginia
- National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice – Virginia
- National Women’s Political Caucus – Virginia
- Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia
- Progress Virginia
- REPRO Rising Virginia
- Whole Woman’s Health
- A Woman’s Choice Danville
- Virginia Reproductive Equity Alliance
- Young Feminist Party of Virginia
- National Institute for Reproductive Health, Advisory Member
