FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 31, 2025
Contact: Kelsey Cowger, kelsey@progressva.org, 434-484-2795
Richmond, Va. – In an early crossover vote, the Virginia Senate has passed HJ1, a resolution to amend the Virginia Constitution to enshrine a fundamental right to reproductive freedom. The resolution passed the Senate on a floor vote of 21-18. The resolution has a Senate cognate (SJ247) which will cross over to a House vote in February. These are the first steps in a multi-year process to amend the Virginia constitution to enshrine the right of Virginians to make decisions regarding their own reproductive health care without government interference.
“Virginians for Reproductive Freedom is happy to see the Senate take up and pass HJ1 prior to crossover,” said Gabriella Watson, Virginia State Policy Advocate for National Latina Institute of Reproductive Justice, a member of VRF. “This vote brings us one step closer to a time when our community can finally vote to protect our fundamental rights. The vast majority of Virginians are committed to keeping the government out of our doctors’ offices and making sure that decisions about pregnancy are left up to pregnant people and their medical providers. We expect to make that clear at the ballot box in November 2026. ”
Background:
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Virginians for Reproductive Freedom
American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Virginia
Birth in Color
Equality Virginia
Freedom Virginia
Hamkae Center
League of Women Voters – Virginia
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 Alliance
A Woman’s Choice Danville
Virginia Reproductive Equity Alliance
Young Feminist Party of Virginia