Session Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, January 13, 2025

Contact: Kelsey Cowger, kelsey@progressva.org, 434-484-2795 

Richmond, Va. – When the General Assembly returns on Monday, one of its earliest tasks will be to consider resolutions to amend the Virginia Constitution to include broad protections for reproductive freedom. In November the House Privileges and Elections Committee took the first steps in a multi-year effort by passing HJ1, patroned by Delegate Charniele Herring, which could head to the House floor as early as this week. On Tuesday, the Senate Privileges & Elections Committee will consider SJ247, patroned by Senator Jennifer Boysko.

“We have worked tirelessly for years to advocate for this historic and consequential amendment and we are excited to see it finally come before the General Assembly,” said Gabriella Watson, Gabriella Watson, Virginia State Policy Advocate, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice.  “As a new federal administration comes into power, states have a critical decision to make: will we accept an agenda that allows out-of-touch politicians to take away our freedoms, or will we stand up to protect people’s fundamental right to make choices about their lives, their health, and their families? We believe that the time is now to pass a constitutional amendment in the Commonwealth that leaves no one behind, and we hope that the General Assembly will side with the majority of Virginians who agree that protecting reproductive freedom is of utmost importance.”

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade exacerbated an already fraught abortion landscape. Abortion is now completely banned in 14 states, many of which are proximate to Virginia, and 41 states ban abortion at some point in pregnancy. These bans have devastating consequences, especially for Black women like Amber Thurman and Candi Miller  in Georgia, whose deaths were preventable. Virginia has become a key access state for patients seeking care, and a constitutional amendment would protect the rights of both patients and providers to make decisions regarding their own reproductive health care without government interference.

Virginians for Reproductive Freedom, a coalition of 17 state and national organizations that represent health care providers, patient advocates, and reproductive justice workers, is closely tracking the movement of SJ247 and HJ 1 and advocating for their passage.

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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

A Woman’s Choice Danville 

Virginia Reproductive Equity Alliance

Young Feminist Party of Virginia

Virginians For Reproductive Freedom (VRF) is a coalition of 17 state and national organizations that represent healthcare providers, patient advocates, and reproductive justice workers. VRF believes that all Virginians should be able to make decisions regarding their own reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, without government interference, and no one should be faced with criminal punishment for making these decisions or providing healthcare.