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House approves resolution proposing constitutional right to reproductive freedom
Summary
The Virginia House of Delegates agreed to House Joint Resolution 1, a proposed constitutional amendment described by its sponsor as protecting a full spectrum of reproductive health decisions; the measure passed on a recorded voice vote after impassioned floor debate.
The Virginia House of Delegates agreed to House Joint Resolution 1 (HJ1), a proposed amendment to Article I that its sponsor said would enshrine a fundamental right to reproductive freedom covering prenatal care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management and fertility treatment.
Delegate hearing (Alexandria), speaking to the resolution, said HJ1 “provides for the full spectrum of reproductive health care for birth from birth control to fertility treatment” and urged the body to adopt the change.
Opponents framed the amendment as overly broad. Delegate Oats (Warren) said constitutional language that lacks “firm limits” would shift life-and-death questions to judges and warned it could invite “endless litigation.” He argued the amendment “sets no clear standards” and would take decisions away from Virginians.
Delegate Griffin (Bedford) urged rejection, calling the proposal an expansion of abortion access and saying, “We must vote no on this. We must stand up for those who cannot protect themselves.” He described his view of the amendment as permitting procedures he called unacceptable.
After floor debate, the clerk closed the roll; the House recorded 64 ayes and 34 nos and the resolution was agreed to on the supplemental calendar.
No implementation steps or timetable for next steps were specified on the floor during the segment recorded.
