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Abortion Access Remains a Key Issue in Virginia's Upcoming Elections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Virginia prepares for its upcoming elections in November, a recent report by 19th News highlights the critical role that abortion access will play in voters' decisions. With Republicans advocating for an abortion ban and restrictions on reproductive health care, Democratic candidates are championing the protection of reproductive rights and a constitutional amendment to codify access to abortion, birth control, and IVF. The issue has become a contentious battleground in the state, with voters set to weigh in on their stance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Abortion access remains a major issue in Virginia ahead of the November election, with Republicans advocating for an abortion ban and restrictions on reproductive health care, while Democratic candidates protect reproductive rights and advance a constitutional amendment to codify access to abortion, birth control, and IVF.
  • The proposed constitutional amendment to protect reproductive rights in Virginia will need a green light from the state legislature in January, which may not happen if Democrats don't win control of the Virginia House of Delegates.
  • Virginia is the only state in the South that hasn't restricted access to abortion since Dobbs, making it a crucial battleground state for reproductive rights.
  • Abortion has become a key issue in the governor's race, with candidates Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears taking differing stances on the issue, with Spanberger making protecting reproductive rights a top issue in her campaign.
  • Democratic women candidates in hotly contested state House races are talking about their own experiences with abortion or miscarriage to explain their support for abortion rights in the state and the proposed constitutional amendment.

Statistics:

  • 11 states have approved ballot measures to enshrine reproductive rights in their state constitutions since the Supreme Court decision that ended federal abortion rights.
  • Virginia is the only state in the South that hasn't restricted access to abortion since Dobbs.
  • The proposed constitutional amendment to codify access to abortion, birth control, and IVF will need 67 votes in the Virginia General Assembly to pass.

Sources:

  • 19th News: Abortion policy in Virginia isn't settled: Why this year's election is key (no specific date)
  • Virginia Democratic Party: ICYMI in 19th News: Abortion Access is "Key" Issue in Virginia's Upcoming Elections (July 15)

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