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SJ 1

Constitutional amendment (second reference); fundamental right to reproductive freedom.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 20 co-sponsors

Virginia proposes constitutional amendment establishing reproductive freedom as fundamental right, requiring two legislative sessions and voter ratification to protect reproductive autonomy from state restriction.

Signed by Speaker
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJ 1

Legislative bill overview

SJ 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to Virginia's constitution that would establish reproductive freedom as a fundamental right. The amendment would need to pass both chambers in two consecutive legislative sessions before going to voters for ratification. This represents a significant constitutional change regarding reproductive autonomy and rights in Virginia.

Why is this important

A constitutional amendment carries the highest legal weight and cannot be easily reversed through ordinary legislation. If ratified by voters, it would protect reproductive decisions from state legislative restriction and likely invalidate or prevent future regulations on abortion, contraception, and related medical decisions. This directly addresses the post-Dobbs legal landscape where reproductive rights protections now vary dramatically by state.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional interpretation scope: Disagreement over what "reproductive freedom" encompasses—whether it covers only abortion or also extends to contraception, fertility treatments, and other reproductive medical decisions
  • Voter ratification uncertainty: While the amendment passed the House with 59 votes, it requires passage in a second consecutive session and then voter approval, making final passage uncertain despite current support
  • Federal versus state authority: Debate over whether state constitutional protections are necessary given potential future federal legislative action, or whether they represent appropriate state-level autonomy over this issue

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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