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⚠ Virginia Voters — Ballot Question 1

This November,
Ballot Question 1 Would
Remove Restrictions That
Currently Limit Third‑Trimester
Abortion in Virginia

Read the full analysis ↓
The Amendment's Own Language

What Ballot Question 1 Actually Says

Ballot Question One would amend the constitution of Virginia beginning with this line:

"Every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom."
This Language Is Important Because
The Amendment Does Not Mention or Regulate
Understanding What the Amendment Actually Says

What Ballot Question 1 would do is cement a right to abortion into Virginia's constitution permanently — without addressing safeguards, age, or gestational limits. Virginia voters would be committing to invest whatever is necessary to protect that right.

A Closer Look at the Amendment

Six Things Ballot Question 1 Would Do in Virginia

These are the documented implications of the amendment's language.

01
Remove Current Safeguards on Early Abortions
The amendment specifically limits regulation to the third trimester only — leaving first and second trimester abortions completely omitted. Any medical standards, physician standards, clinic requirements, or safety rules for early abortions could be legally challenged and removed if found to be too burdensome on this new constitutional right.
02
Allows for Late‑Term Abortion Access
Virginia recorded 400+ third-trimester abortions in 2024. The amendment imposes no limits on third trimester abortions and places strict burdens on any attempt at regulation. It allows regulation in theory, only in the third trimester.
03
No Age Limit for Mothers
Current Virginia law requires parental involvement when a minor seeks an abortion. Ballot Question 1 does not include parental consent language — in fact, parents will not even need to be informed, meaning that protection could be constitutionally eliminated.
04
Could Create Taxpayer Funding Obligations
By establishing a "fundamental right" to reproductive freedom, the amendment creates obligations for the state — and therefore the taxpayers — to safeguard it.
05
No Mention of Right of Conscience
The amendment states that no individual may "burden or infringe" on this fundamental right, without mentioning rights of conscience or religious or moral convictions.
06
All Interest on the Person Seeking to Exercise the Right to Abortion
"A state interest is compelling only if it is for the limited purpose of maintaining or improving the health of an individual seeking care." In other words, even if at some future date the United States passed a law acknowledging the life of an unborn child, the state of Virginia would still be constitutionally bound to only consider the needs of the mother. Other considerations are not in focus.
Side-by-Side Comparison

Virginia Law Today vs. Ballot Question 1

What current Virginia law provides — and what the amendment's text omits.

Issue Virginia Law Today If Ballot Question 1 Passes
Medical standards for clinics & providers Regulated - standards required Completely omitted - no basis for regulation under the amendment
1st & 2nd trimester abortion regulations Regulations exist in statute Completely omitted - no basis for regulation under the amendment
Third-trimester abortions Restrictions in law "May" be regulated, but no regulations mentioned
Parental consent for minors Required, only overturned by a judge Completely omitted - no requirement under the amendment
Taxpayer funding for abortion Limited - specific circumstances only "Fundamental right" significantly elevates funding obligation
Medical conscience protections Protected under current law Cannot burden or infringe on the fundamental right
Faith-based advocacy & pregnancy centers Free to operate and advocate Cannot burden or infringe on the fundamental right
Help Spread Accurate Information

Know the Facts.
Share the Facts.

Virginia voters have a right to understand what Ballot Question 1 actually contains before they cast their ballot. Share this information with family, friends, and your community.

For more information, visit ConcernedWomen.org/Virginia