I’m a doctor. Virginia’s abortion referendum goes much further than you realize

When Virginians vote on Question 1 this November, they will see reassuring words on the ballot: “freedom,” “fertility care,” and “protections for doctors and patients.”However, as a physician and Virginia voter, I urge my fellow Virginians to look beyond the summary and read the proposed amendment itself. It may make you think twice about this unchangeable measure.I have cared for women through complicated pregnancies and difficult medical decisions. I also belong to a coalition of more than 150 Virginia medical professionals opposing Question 1. We do not all come to this debate with identical experiences, but we do share a concern that transcends politics: Virginians are being asked to put sweeping new language governing women’s healthcare into our constitution. That’s no small thing. Supporters often describe Question 1 as a way of protecting “reproductive rights” after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. But Virginia already permits abortion, and Question 1 does not simply preserve our current laws on the books.Here’s what current Virginia law requires for an abortion after the second trimester: The procedure must take place in a licensed hospital, three licensed physicians must consult together on the case and certify that continuing the pregnancy is likely to result in the woman’s death or “substantially and irremediably” impair her mental or physical health. Additionally, when there is clearly visible evidence of fetal viability, life-support measures must be available and readily used.Shockingly, Question 1 would replace this well-thought-out statutory framework with a constitutional rule that does not include the vital safeguards above, which do the real work to protect women while providing true fertility care and the freedom to make well-informed medical decisions. This should matter even to my fellow Virginians who consider themselves pro-choice.Question 1 goes further still. Virginia law currently requires parental involvement before a minor receives an abortion, while of course providing exceptions for emergencies, abuse, or neglect. Conveniently, the text of Question 1 is mum about how it will affect this common-sense measure. Instead, the text gives “every individual” the “fundamental right to reproductive freedom” and restricts the Commonwealth’s ability to burden that right. Supporters may argue that parental consent requirements can survive that standard. As a physician, I can guarantee this language seriously jeopardizes the ability of parents to intervene when their young daughter is about to make a potentially life-altering decision, both mentally and physically.The practice of medicine, and more specifically, good women’s healthcare, depends on informed consent, careful judgment, and close attention to each individual woman’s circumstances. In my profession, when the consequences of a decision are significant, there is no room for ambiguity.Also of note, this debate is not happening in a state where abortion access is disappearing. In fact, having served women here for more than 20 years, I have not once felt that current laws prevent me from providing the total spectrum of care that is required.TRUMP IS RIGHT. THE VIRGINIA REDISTRICTING REFERENDUM WAS RIGGEDA closer study of the question before us reveals that it’s not a matter of whether Virginians must adopt this amendment or live in a state that ceases to offer induced abortions. Rather, Virginians must decide if they want to take today’s laws governing those abortions and replace them with a much broader, vague constitutional right. If Question 1 passes, and it’s later discovered that we’ve made a mistake, we cannot simply ask our representatives to fix it with another vote next year.We do not all have to agree on abortion; we have only to ask whether Question 1 would provide for a better, safer system than it would replace. As a Virginia physician, I don’t believe so. That’s why I’ll be voting “no” on Nov. 3, and encourage all of you, including my own cherished patients, to do the same.Dr. Edward Springel is an OB/GYN and maternal-fetal specialist practicing in Virginia.