Virginia Democrats have begun the process of submitting an amendment to voters that would enshrine the right to abortion into the state constitution.
The effort comes after the 2024 election cycle, when abortion is on the ballot in 10 states. Seven states passed the bill, but three states vetoed it.
The Democratic-led State House of Delegates Committee introduced three resolutions Wednesday, including one that would enshrine the right to abortion in the Virginia Constitution. washington post reported. Other measures would enshrine same-sex marriage in the state constitution and restore voting rights to felons.
“While only the first step in a multi-year process to amend the Constitution, the committee vote sets the stage for a fall election in which all 100 House seats, the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general will be on the ballot. “It appeared to be the case,” the paper said. Report.
The state House and Senate are scheduled to take up all three resolutions when they convene in January.
“For this bill to become part of the Constitution, it would need to pass both houses of Congress twice, with two separate elections, and then be approved by voters in separate referendums,” the report continues.
Read more: Abortion measures pass in 7 states, fail in 3 states
The abortion bill passed 12-9 along party lines, as did a bill that would automatically restore voting rights to convicted felons upon release from prison. Some Republicans have joined Democrats in supporting same-sex marriage proposals, which could repeat a ban now repealed in the state constitution.
The current abortion bill introduced by House Minority Leader Charniere Herring (D-Alexandria) reads:All individuals have a fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including the right to make decisions about their own prenatal care, childbirth, postnatal care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility treatment. and the ability to perform. It also states that an individual's reproductive freedom “must not be violated.” [without] This is a compelling national interest. ”
According to the report, Republicans on the committee warned that the abortion bill could overturn several current regulations, including requiring parental consent for minors seeking abortions. did. A lawyer for the committee said during questioning from Minority Leader Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah) that it is unclear whether the parental consent law would survive legal challenges if the amendment passes. I admitted that there was.
Abortion is legal in Virginia during the 26th week of pregnancy, or within about six months. According to Go to Abortion Finder. Subsequent abortions are permitted if there is a serious risk to the mother's life or health and must be certified by three doctors.
Gilbert also warned that the abortion resolution could override current law that requires three doctors to approve abortions after 26 weeks.
“With both the House and Senate controlled by Democrats, the bill is likely to pass in the 2025 Congress, but not after the fall elections, when Democrats will have to protect their narrow majority in the House. , its fate is not so uncertain.'' post Note.
Katherine Hamilton is a political reporter for Breitbart News. You can follow her at @thekat_Hamilton.
