Today, the Virginia House of Delegates voted 51 to 48 to advance HJ1, the unlimited abortion amendment. This devastating decision sets Virginia on a path toward the most extreme abortion policy in the United States—and perhaps the world.

If codified into our Constitution, HJ1 would:

• Allow an abortion at any point up to birth for any reason
• Allow anyone to perform abortions—no medical qualifications are required
• Permit abortions anywhere—including unsafe, unregulated facilities
• Eliminate all parental oversight or consent, leaving minors unprotected

Many legislators, including Delegates Nick Freitas (R-Culpeper), Coyner (R-Chester), Earley (R-Richmond), Gilbert (R-Woodstock), Griffin (R-Forest), and Garrett(R-Goochland), delivered powerful testimony on the House floor exposing the flaws and dangers of HJ1. They highlighted how this legislation is not only sloppy and poorly written but also poses a grave threat to the safety of women, the rights of parents, and the well-being of children across Virginia.

Their courage and commitment to defending life in the face of opposition should inspire us all. We owe them our gratitude for speaking the truth and standing firm against this extreme measure.

This resolution makes it clear that pro-abortion legislators in Virginia are not satisfied with the thousands of abortions every year, existing laws that already allow abortion up to birth, and over 20 abortion clinics with virtually no oversight. They want unrestricted abortion carried out by anyone, on anyone, in facilities that endanger the safety of the mother.

In addition to passing the unlimited abortion amendment, the House also voted 58 to 35 to pass HJ9. This resolution repeals the existing man and woman marriage amendment and replaces it with language that divides the concepts of “sex” and “gender” in the Constitution. This resolution not only redefines marriage but legitimizes gender ideology in the state constitution, paving the way for a right for biological boys to both enter the locker rooms of girls and take their spots on sports teams.

The Senate Privileges and Elections committee also passed two of their own versions of the resolutions (SJ247 & SJ249), despite multiple questions from Republican legislators and testimonies of citizens and organizations opposed to these measures. These bills will soon appear on the Senate floor for a vote.