RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Democratic-controlled Virginia General Assembly is moving forward with plans to amend the state constitution to protect reproductive rights, including abortion.
On Wednesday, the House Privileges and Elections Committee advancing a proposed constitutional amendment along party lines.
The amendment says that “every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom.” That includes decisions relating to “contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management, and fertility care.”
“Since the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs, we have had some states enact dangerous abortion bans that have endangered the lives of women,” said House Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria). “We are determined to protect every individual’s reproductive freedom and HJ1 will do just that.”
Democrats say the amendment is compatible with current state law by allowing abortions through the first two trimesters and by allowing the state to prohibit abortions in the third trimester.