Virginia House Passes Abortion Bill Amid Reforms

Virginia's House of Delegates has passed a controversial abortion bill, which would protect the right to abortion in the first two trimesters and allow it in the third trimester under specific conditions. Democrats, holding a narrow majority, aim to enshrine this right in the state constitution, arguing it ensures women's healthcare freedom, while Republicans criticize it as extreme and undermining parental rights. The proposed amendment must pass in the Senate and be re-approved in both chambers in the next legislative session before reaching the ballot in 2026. Alongside the abortion bill, the House also advanced amendments on same-sex marriage and felon voting rights, reflecting broader efforts to secure progressive reforms in the state constitution. These initiatives are part of a strategic push following the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, emphasizing state-level control over such issues. The political outcome of upcoming elections could significantly impact these legislative efforts, as a shift in majority control could halt their progress.