Virginia to vote on amendment to protect abortion rights

Virginia's legislature voted to place a proposed constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights on the November ballot after a senate vote; the measure had passed an earlier session in 2025 as required. If approved by voters, the state's constitution would recognize a right to reproductive freedom while allowing some regulation in the third trimester.

The Virginia state senate voted to send a proposed constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights to the November ballot. The same amendment had been approved by the legislature in early 2025; state law requires approval in two consecutive legislative sessions before a measure goes to voters. The proposed constitutional language would recognize a fundamental right to reproductive freedom while permitting some state regulation in the third trimester. This legislative action follows changes since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and places the issue before Virginia voters in 2026. Key facts: - The state senate voted to let voters decide on a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights. - The amendment previously passed the legislature in early 2025 and required a second consecutive legislative approval to reach the ballot. - If voters approve the amendment in November, the constitution would recognize a right to reproductive freedom while allowing some third‑trimester regulation. - Virginia is at least the third US state with an abortion-related measure set for a 2026 ballot. Summary: The legislature has completed the required approvals and the amendment will appear on the November 2026 ballot, making the question of constitutional protection for abortion rights a matter for statewide voters. The next formal step is the statewide vote in November 2026, when voters will decide whether to adopt the amendment.