See below for video of Gov. Abigail Spanberger signing bills “to set referendums on proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution — to protect reproductive rights, marriage equality, and automatic voting rights restoration — and Virginia’s redistricting process.” Also, see below for statements, starting with Virginians for Reproductive Freedom.
From Virginians for Reprodutive Freedom:
Governor Spanberger Sends Reproductive Freedom Amendment to the People
Today, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation that allows the historic Constitutional Amendment for Reproductive Freedom to appear on the ballot this November. With this signature, the legislative phase of the state constitutional amendment process has officially concluded. It is now up to the people to protect their freedom to make their own reproductive health care decisions.
“We want to thank Governor Spanberger and reproductive freedom champions in the legislature for their support of this bill, which will allow the voters of Virginia to make their voices heard in November,” said Han Jones, Campaign Manager with Virginians for Reproductive Freedom. “Every person’s reproductive health journey is unique, from contraception to fertility to abortions or miscarriages. We should be able to make decisions about our reproductive health for ourselves, and health care professionals need to be able to act in the best interests of their patients, without government interference or fear of punishment.”
This legislation will allow Virginians to cast their vote on the following question:
Question: Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to (i) protect the freedom to make personal decisions about prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion, miscarriage management, and fertility care; (ii) protect doctors, nurses, and patients from being punished for these decisions; and (iii) allow for restrictions on access to abortion during the third trimester of pregnancy except when the patient’s health is at risk or the pregnancy cannot survive?
The Constitutional Amendment for Reproductive Freedom will be on the midterm election ballot. Voting begins on September 18, 2026, and concludes with Election Day on November 3, 2026.
Virginians for Reproductive Freedom, a coalition of families, doctors, nurses, and health care organizations, will continue to champion this amendment to ensure Virginians have the resources and support they need to vote to protect their freedoms.
For more information, to get involved, or to learn about the amendment process, please visit our website https://www.va4reprofreedom.org/
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Lieutenant Governor Hashmi Welcomes Legislation Advancing Referendums on Constitutional Amendments
RICHMOND, VA – Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi released the following statement after Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation approved earlier this month by the General Assembly to set statewide referendums on proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution:
“Today marks a meaningful moment and ensures that our state’s voice is heard even in the face of nationwide attacks on our democratic processes. By signing legislation to advance these proposed constitutional amendments to the ballot, Virginia is taking an important step to protect the right to marry, ensure access to reproductive health care, and restore voting rights for Virginians returning to their communities after incarceration. This action affirms the will of our communities and the values we share as a Commonwealth.”
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From the VA Senate Democratic Caucus:
Governor Spanberger Signs Constitutional Amendments, Giving Virginians the Final Say on Healthcare Freedom, Voting Rights, and Marriage Equality
RICHMOND, V.A. — Today, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed three constitutional amendments advancing healthcare freedom, voting rights, and marriage equality, officially sending them to the ballot for a statewide referendum.
The Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus released the following statement:
“Today is a historic day for Virginia. With Governor Abigail Spanberger’s signature, three constitutional amendments protecting healthcare freedom, voting rights, and marriage equality have completed the legislative process and are now headed to the ballot. Now, the final decision belongs to the people of the Commonwealth.
This moment didn’t happen overnight. For the past two years, Virginia Democrats did the work required by our Constitution, passing these amendments through both chambers in two consecutive General Assembly sessions to ensure Virginians would have the opportunity to weigh in themselves. That process reflects our belief that the strongest decisions are made when people have the final say.
In 2026, Virginia is moving forward. We are removing outdated, Jim Crow–era language that has kept people from fully participating in our freedoms because of past mistakes. We are reaffirming that healthcare decisions should be made between patients and their doctors, not politicians. And we are making clear that marriage equality belongs to everyone, regardless of gender, race, or sex.
This November, Virginians will vote on these three amendments during the midterm elections and decide what their Constitution should say about freedoms, equality, and opportunity. We trust the people of the Commonwealth to make the choice that is right for them and their neighbors.
Virginia Senate Democrats are proud of the work that brought us to this moment and are excited about the future ahead. A future that is rooted in fairness, dignity, and freedoms that work for everyone.”
