Virginia is well on its way to enshrining abortion up until birth into its state constitution. An amendment, sponsored by mother-of-two State Senator Jennifer Boysko, advanced through the Virginia Senate and would make abortion a “fundamental right.” Virginian voters can expect to vote on the measure this fall.
The pro-life movement has a sacred duty to make voters aware of the radical nature of this amendment and the tangible harm that mothers and their unborn children will face if the referendum passes.
Recall that then-Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam set off a national firestorm around abortion, when, years ago, he stated, in reference to third-trimester abortions, that an “infant would be delivered” and “kept comfortable” while a “discussion” occurs about whether to end the baby’s life.
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In an attempt to soften the extreme nature of the amendment, the proposed legislation (HJR 1) is filled with deceptive and misleading language, shamelessly using the euphemism “reproductive freedom” and flanking text about abortion next to that of prenatal and fertility care to deceive and garner voters.
The amendment establishes that the Commonwealth cannot pass any protections for unborn Virginians — even in the third trimester or the day the baby is born. Additionally, no one obtaining or performing an abortion could be prosecuted for doing so. This would protect an abortionist who kills the baby of a mother who decided mid-procedure to keep and raise her child, or a non-professional performing an unsuccessful abortion.
The proposed law could also put Virginia out of line with the federal Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which recognizes the legal rights of children in the womb. If a pregnant woman is killed along with her child in utero, the question arises as to whether Virginia would challenge this precedent or attempt to alter the sentences of those who would normally be convicted of double homicide.
Many have remained quiet as drafted legislation evolves towards potential passage. Still, groups like Virginia for Preborn Justice are stepping up by meeting with state legislatures and actively advocating against the amendment. Bishops Michael F. Burbidge and Barry C. Knestout also spoke out against HJR 1 in the Arlington Catholic Herald, noting how the amendment provides no protections whatsoever for pre-born children.
It is imperative that pro-life Virginians not only vote when the referendum occurs but raise awareness of this consequential legislation. Pro-life members of Congress on the state and national levels must use their platforms to speak out and reveal the true nature of HR 1 before it’s too late.
New Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation earlier this month, sending the referendum into action for a special election in November.
Women and children deserve far better than policies that lead to their death. Pro-life Virginians must inform their neighbors about this perilous amendment and vote against the establishment of a constitutional right to destroy unborn life up until the second before a child is born.
Lifenews Note: Julia Jensen is the communications assistant at Advancing American Freedom. This column originally appeared at Washington Examiner.
