Delegate Delores Oates, took to the floor of the House of Delegates to warmly welcome the pro-life contingent from her district. ‘Pro-life Virginians from visit the Lobby House for Lobby Day,’ she declared, highlighting how participants were making their voices heard. ‘We welcome Virginians from across the Commonwealth who are here and engaging our members to express their opposition to the constitutional amendment that would enshrine unrestricted abortion in Virginia.’ This marked the fifth consecutive year of such advocacy, underscoring the growing resolve amid Democratic majorities in both chambers pushing HJ 1 and SJ 1.
The proposed amendment, often dubbed the ‘Ralph Northam Amendment’ by critics due to its echoes of former Governor Northam’s controversial 2019 comments on late-term abortions, would fundamentally alter Virginia’s constitution. It seeks to protect ‘the freedom to make personal decisions about prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion, miscarriage management, and fertility care,’ while shielding providers from punishment. Restrictions on third-trimester abortions would only apply except when ‘the patient’s health is at risk or the pregnancy cannot survive.’ Opponents argue this language creates dangerous loopholes, particularly around mental health, effectively permitting abortions up to birth – a position decried as extreme even by some national standards.
Pro-life participants hailed from diverse backgrounds: urban and rural areas, coastal and mountain regions, people of all faiths united by a shared belief that ‘every human life has inherent value and dignity.’ Families, nurses, and community leaders filled the halls, reminding elected officials that the unborn deserve a voice. ‘They are here because elected officials need to hear from their constituents today,’ Delegate Delores emphasized, urging her colleagues to welcome these advocates into the House.
This lobby day comes at a critical juncture. Democrats have rejected common-sense protections like the Born Alive Infant Protection Act (HB 531), which would mandate care for infants surviving failed abortions. Sponsored by Delegate Karen Hamilton, the bill failed on a party-line vote in committee. Meanwhile, they’ve advanced physician-assisted suicide legislation (SB 359), revealing what critics call a devaluation of vulnerable lives at both ends of the spectrum.
History weighs heavily on this debate. In 2019, Democratic Delegate Kathy Tran sponsored a bill allowing abortions up until birth, sparking national outrage when she affirmed it could apply even during labor. Recent pushes, backed by figures like Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, aim to make Virginia the only Southern state with abortion on demand until birth. Pro-life groups, including the Family Foundation and March for Life participants, have rallied repeatedly, from Capitol marches to national events.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has long championed a culture of life, marching with advocates in past years. Yet with Democratic control, the amendment advanced through committees, setting the stage for potential voter referendum if passed in two successive sessions. Republicans warn this would lock in radical policies, overriding future pro-life majorities.
Participants emphasized compassion for mothers and babies, with one labor and delivery nurse testifying she’s never refused care in 30 years, countering claims that current laws endanger women.
As session progresses, these advocates vow to persist, pressuring delegates to reject HJ 1 and SJ 1. Their message is clear: Virginia must protect life, not enshrine its destruction. The Capitol echoed with calls for sanity amid what many see as a liberal overreach threatening the Commonwealth’s moral fabric.
Source: Field reports and eyewitness accounts.
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