Spanberger: “Virginians Deserve the Certainty of Knowing that their Rights are Protected in the Virginia Constitution”

RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after the Virginia House of Delegates moved an amendment forward to enshrine reproductive rights in the Virginia Constitution.

“Thanks to the leadership of Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly, Virginia remains the only state in the South where reproductive rights haven’t been rolled back since the Dobbs decision. But Virginians deserve the certainty of knowing that their rights are protected in the Virginia Constitution. Our Commonwealth needs to be a place where Virginians’ right to choose, right to privacy, right to access IVF, and right to contraception are guaranteed.

“As a mother, I know that attacks on these rights are deeply personal. Reproductive healthcare decisions should be made by women and their doctors with the support of family and friends, and without fear that politicians in Richmond will dictate their choices — choices that could potentially jeopardize their health, future ability to bear children, or even their lives. I want to thank Delegate Herring, Speaker Scott, and the many Virginia advocates whose leadership, courage, and determination made today’s vote possible.

“If we want Virginia to remain the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family, we must protect the rights of our fellow Virginians.”

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Ahead of today’s vote, Spanberger spoke to the Virginia House Democratic Caucus to mark the start of the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session.

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