Did you know there is an election underway right now that can shape the future of Virginia for decades to come? Did you know your vote could actually save lives? Let me explain.
While we rejoiced in the fall of Roe v. Wade, we face new challenges. Since the 2022 Dobbs ruling returned the regulation of abortion to the states, abortion proponents have been on the march. They successfully enacted extreme abortion policies through ballot initiatives approved in 14 out of 17 states, amending their state constitutions. Unless we act, Virginia is next.
Amending the constitution in our commonwealth is a two-year process with four distinct steps. The resolution must pass the General Assembly in both chambers by a simple majority with identical language. Then, there must be a general election. Step three: the amendment passes the General Assembly a second time in the very next session. The final step is when it goes directly to the people in November to be voted up or down as a ballot initiative. The governor has no role or veto opportunity in this process.
Abortion proponents are already 25% of the way to their goal, having accomplished step one of this process with the General Assembly passing the resolution handily for the first time in January.
So, what’s on this runaway train?
Supporters say they are just codifying Roe in the state constitution to maintain the status quo. That is not true. This resolution goes far beyond what Roe allowed.
The resolution demands a right to “reproductive freedom” for all individuals at any age. That includes minors who will likely be able to obtain abortions without parental involvement. While many understand reproductive freedom as a euphemism for abortion, here the amendment also includes transgender ideology and policies. As if unfettered abortion for all wasn’t enough, the amendment’s vague language could serve as a trojan horse to allow children experiencing gender dysphoria to seek surgical or chemical mutilation without parental involvement. In addition, the measure might make it nearly impossible for the General Assembly to pass common-sense health and safety regulations for the well-being of expectant mothers.
The amendment endangers religious liberty and conscience rights as well. Will pro-life physicians be forced to perform abortions? Will taxpayer support for abortions be mandated in unprecedented ways?
If this resolution reaches the fourth step — becoming a ballot initiative — we have little chance of defeating it as 14 other states have demonstrated.
Happily, there is hope: The brakes on this train are in our hands. All we have to do is to vote our values. Returning a pro-life majority to the House of Delegates Nov. 4 will stop this train in its tracks when the General Assembly reconvenes next January. It’s that simple.
In elections like this with no federal races on the ballot, turnout is typically low. In fact, in 2017 it was so low that one race ended in a tie with the winner determined by drawing a name out of a hat. We must do better.
By virtue of our baptism, we must advocate for the common good. Each of us must defend the right to life — without which no other rights are possible — and proclaim the Gospel of Life with our vote. Make a plan to vote. Tell your friends and family that early voting is underway now and runs through Nov. 1. I’ll see you in line at the polls.
McInerny is director of the diocesan Office of Respect Life.
Find out more
Election Day is Nov. 4. For more information go to the Virginia Catholic Conference election resource hub at vacatholic.org.
