by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Virginia voters approved a sweeping constitutional amendment Tuesday that enshrines abortion rights in the state constitution and expands protections for abortions during the third trimester, raising concerns among pro-life advocates that the measure could permit abortions up until birth.
Question 1 passed with approximately 61% support in the November 3 election, establishing a fundamental right to reproductive freedom that future state lawmakers will face significant constitutional barriers to restricting.
The amendment protects abortion throughout the first two trimesters while permitting restrictions during the third trimester, except when a physician determines that an abortion is necessary to protect the mother’s life or physical or mental health, or when the fetus is not viable.
Pro-life organizations warned that the broad health exceptions could effectively allow abortions until birth, arguing that the amendment removes important protections for unborn children. Supporters countered that the measure safeguards medical decisions and preserves access to abortion in complicated pregnancies.
The vote marks a significant development in the national abortion debate following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which returned substantial authority over abortion policy to individual states.
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