As Virginia Democrats move to include abortion rights in the state constitution, a significant pushback is coming from the Catholic community, with thousands opposing the effort.
In January, lawmakers from the Democratic party in Virginia moved forward with a constitutional amendment on abortion rights that voters will see on the ballot in November, as reported by Virginia Mercury. Although abortion is currently legal in the state up to 26 weeks and six days into pregnancy, the state constitution does not explicitly guarantee this right, according to 13NewsNow.
The amendment proposes that voters consider whether the Virginia Constitution should be changed to ensure: (i) the freedom to make personal decisions regarding prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion, miscarriage management, and fertility care; (ii) protection for doctors, nurses, and patients from penalties related to these decisions; and (iii) restrictions on third-trimester abortions, with exceptions for the health of the patient or nonviable pregnancies.
This measure has the backing of Governor Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General Jay Jones, both Democrats. However, many of Virginia’s approximately 693,000 registered Catholics are reportedly urging voters to oppose it, describing the amendment as “extreme.”
On September 12, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington publicly called for voting against the amendment in a letter supporting the “Catholics Vote No” campaign, which is also opposing another measure regarding same-sex marriage. The latter would partly remove the statement that marriage is defined as a union between one man and one woman.
Burbidge’s letter suggests that the first ballot question jeopardizes maternal health and could permit abortions on healthy fetuses until birth. He argues it would limit parental involvement in significant decisions affecting their minor daughters and describes the amendment as unnecessary and fundamentally wrong.
In an unusual occurrence, Burbidge instructed priests throughout Arlington to convey this message during Mass, emphasizing the seriousness of these issues within his teachings. The bishop mentioned that he has not made such a request in his time. His statements highlight that the first ballot question does not protect unborn life, poses risks to women’s health, and undermines parental rights, while the second question fails to uphold the traditional view of marriage.
The Diocese of Arlington includes 69 parishes with nearly 465,000 registered Catholics. Some Catholics in Virginia are also initiating voter registration efforts within their parishes.
The Arlington Diocese did not respond to requests for comment. The Richmond Diocese, in turn, referred to a pastoral letter stating that laws affect cultural norms and human rights protections.
A notable incident occurred at Mass when a parishioner reacted strongly against Burbidge’s letter, leading to a confrontation as he left the church, illustrating a division within the community over the issue.
CatholicVote’s president indicated that some view the amendment as less about expanding access to abortion and more about consolidating political power. Reinhardt stated that since abortion is already legal, this amendment’s true purpose should be scrutinized for its implications on permanence and authority.
According to JLK Political Strategy’s founder, if the amendment passes, Virginia could become a leader in progressive abortion rights across the nation, making it difficult for lawmakers to take future measures to protect unborn life.
Despite the opposition, groups advocating for abortion rights argue that the amendment is a significant advancement for reproductive freedoms, assuring that it would protect individuals’ decisions without government intervention. In 2025, Virginia recorded around 39,500 clinician-performed abortions.
Critics, including communications strategists from pro-life organizations, assert that the proposed measure could grant undue influence in determining viability to those profiting from abortions, urging Virginians to reject what they consider a manipulative and drastic push from abortion advocacy groups. Early in-person voting began on Friday and will continue through October 31.
