Virginia Democrats are pushing forward with a proposal to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.
The amendment, which will be considered by the House Privileges and Elections Committee, seeks to ensure women have the right to make decisions regarding their pregnancies without undue interference, except under compelling state interest.
Del. Cia Price D-Newport News emphasized the widespread support for the amendment in Virginia, noting that women across the state have expressed their desire for this protection.
However, Republicans argue that the process being used to advance the amendment is unusual. While the amendment was carried over from last year’s legislative session, Republicans, led by House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, contend that such constitutional amendments are typically handled during regular sessions in odd-numbered years.
Gilbert suggests that moving the amendment forward outside the normal schedule is an attempt to avoid public scrutiny.
Even if the amendment passes the committee, the process will take years before it could be fully adopted, requiring it to pass in back-to-back sessions and through a constitutional amendment process.