Members of the House of Delegates Privileges and Elections Committee voted along party lines this afternoon to advance a constitutional amendment that states every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and that the right to make one’s own decisions about all matters related to one’s pregnancy cannot be denied. Sponsor Charniele Herring says the amendment will save lives.
The amendment prohibits the Commonwealth from penalizing, prosecuting, or otherwise taking adverse action against an individual for exercising the individual’s right to reproductive freedom or for aiding another individual in the exercise of such right. Republicans on the Committee believe this amendment is being rushed and too extreme when it comes to abortion access. Constitutional amendments must be passed by the General Assembly twice, before it goes to voters for final approval.
