Don’t let Virginia become the next abortion destination state

Early voting in Virginia has begun. But as the midterm frenzy kicks into high gear, the media have largely ignored one of the most extreme ballot measures in the commonwealth’s history. This amendment could turn Virginia into an abortion destination.This fall, Virginians will have a chance to vote “yes” or “no” on Amendment 1, the radical constitutional amendment that proposes nearly zero limits or ramifications for anyone obtaining or providing abortions at any stage. If passed, unrestricted abortion would become a “right” under Virginia’s constitution. This could lead to non-Virginians traveling to Virginia to terminate their pregnancies and a massive increase in abortions.Members of the Virginia legislature advanced the amendment earlier this year, craftily wording the way it appears on the ballot by using dodgy language focused on “reproductive freedom” and “fertility care.” However, the truth cannot be avoided. The amendment states clearly that “every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including the ability to make and carry out decisions relating to one’s own … abortion care.” Supporters argue that restrictions on third-term abortions offer protections Virginians should feel good about. But the wording is clear. If a doctor determines that the “mental health” of a woman would suffer by her having the child, she is allowed to proceed with a third-term termination — even after the child is viable on its own.Pro-life Virginians rightly point out that Amendment 1 would allow children to obtain an abortion without telling their parents. This would cause unthinkable pain and chaos, with minors in pro-life states traveling to Virginia to get abortions behind their parents’ backs or without them ever knowing.State Sen. Jennifer Boysko, a mother of two, led the charge, claiming that Amendment 1 “ensures that individuals, not politicians, are in control of these deeply personal decisions, reflecting the values of freedom that we hold dear.” The senator seems to forget that life is a prerequisite for freedom.Virginia wouldn’t be the first state to enshrine the right to abortion in its constitution. Ten states have already done so, and Nevada could join them next month. All it takes is a simple majority vote to ratify Virginia’s proposed amendment.In a perverted twist of irony, the District of Columbia is one of the most dangerous places for unborn Americans. Operating as an abortion destination, thousands of women travel to Washington every year just to obtain an abortion. The district has radical, unrestricted abortion laws. Anyone can get an abortion there — at any stage and for any reason.The Virginia State Capitol is seen on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia. (AP Photo/Ryan M. Kelly) In 2024, half of abortions performed in Washington were “destination abortions” where mothers-to-be traveled from out of state. This “abortion tourism” resulted in more babies aborted than born in the district.With destination abortions greatly shifting the birth versus abortion rates, Virginia could experience the same fate.It’s no secret that Southern states are pro-life, and voters, through their elected state legislatures, continue to protect the unborn. With Virginia’s proximity to many Southerners, women could easily travel there and receive an abortion up until the moment of birth.FOUR STATES TO VOTE ON ABORTION: WHAT TO KNOWRefusing to let a crisis go to waste, Planned Parenthood is anticipating a financial windfall if the election goes in their favor. Its Action Fund and Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. donated over $600,000 to push for its passage. That’s not surprising considering that passage of the amendment could pave the way for taxpayer funding of abortions in Virginia.If Amendment 1 passes, Virginia is on track to become the next abortion destination. Virginians must vote no in November to protect unborn Virginians and prevent our state from becoming America’s next death destination.Julia Jensen is a communications assistant at Advancing American Freedom.