Voters to decide in November on Virginia constitutional reproductive rights amendment

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Several constitutional amendments are now in the hands of voters in Virginia.

This comes after Governor Abigail Spanberger signed several amendment billon Friday – technically setting a ballot date for them.

One of them is tied to reproductive care in the Commonwealth.

The bill also includes protections for medical providers, aiming to prevent criminal penalties for doctors and clinics who offer certain kinds of reproductive health care.

Supporters describe it as a way to protect reproductive freedom here in Virginia. Opponents say it goes too far and believe it could expand abortion access.

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If voters decide to pass the amendment, it would ensure protections remain in place in Virginia even if federal laws change.

On Friday, ABC13’s Jaida Simone spoke with Planned Parenthood about what they believe it will mean for women and families.

“The Virginia constitution does not recognize the right to reproductive healthcare, which means that politicians have the ability to restrict or ban certain reproductive healthcare. We’ve seen the consequences of this in states across the country,” said Jamie Lockhart, director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia.

Those against it say it’s unnecessary and blocks parents from guiding their children through life-altering decisions.

“Some of those terms are extremely broad. We’re talking about not only abortion, which is what most people think of, but also gender change surgeries for kids that would not necessarily require parental involvement,” said Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia.

The bill would prevent criminal penalties for doctors and clinics offering certain kinds of reproductive health care.

Voters will now have the final say on the amendment. It will be on the ballot in November.