Virginians for Reproductive Freedom Campaign Manager Talks About Saturday’s Kickoff Campaign Rally for the Historic Virginia Reproductive Freedom Amendment on the Ballot This Fall

As Virginians for Reproductive Freedom gears up for its  big campaign launch on Saturday in support of the constitutional amendment for Reproductive Freedom that will be on the ballot this November, I had a chance to chat with their campaign manager, Han Jones, about what to expect in the next few months. For some background, see the press advisory, below.  Also, see here for some polling earlier this year (by the Wason Center at CNU), which found that Virginia voters support the reproductive freedom amendment by a massive, 66%-28% margin (note: Virginia voters also support the two other constitutional amendments on the ballot, with 64% supporting the amendment to allow felons that have completed their prison sentence to have their voting rights automatically restored upon release, and with Virginians overwhelmingly supporting marriage equality, according to polling). So hopefully all three of these amendments will pass handily in November, but of course let’s never EVER take anything for granted. Plus, of course, driving strong turnout this November will be important, as there will be some potentially close – and important – US House races on the ballot, plus of course Sen. Mark Warner’s reelection campaign, in addition to the constitutional amendments…

With that, here are a few key points from the interview I did with Han Jones of Virginians for Reproductive Freedom.

• They’re very excited to be on the ballot on 11/3, as this amendment will protect access to a broad spectrum of reproductive health care, at a time when so many of our rights are under attack.
• This amendment should be a big driver of turnout in November, and we know it’s very popular based on the polling, and certainly not just partisan, as you don’t get to 2/3 of Virginians with Democrats alone.  So as long as voters show up in November, we should win this one big time.
• We’re living in hard times in many ways; this historic amendment will be a moment to come together, show that Virignia is a leader in the South (and in the country overall).
• As for whether SCOVA might do something crazy regarding this amendment, Han Jones pointed out to me that there’s really no comparison between this amendment – which is on an absolutely solid legal foundation, with no constitutional issues that SCOVA could seriously entertain, and also very different than the situation with the redistricting amendment, in which voting was underway for the 2025 Virginia elections when the amendment was passed by the General Assembly.
• Challenges by right-wing groups like the Liberty Council and Family Foundation are far-fetched, “sham cases,” not to mention simply attempts by these groups to silence our voices, and to win in the courts (with right-wing-activist judges) what they almost certainly can’t win at the ballot box.

So with that, here’s the press advisory for Saturday’s noon rally at the Bell Tower in Richmond; sounds like it will be excellent; check it out if you can make it!

PRESS ADVISORY: Virginians for Reproductive Freedom Announces Campaign Kickoff and Press Availability

Richmond, Virginia—Virginians for Reproductive Freedom, a coalition of families, doctors, nurses, and health care organizations working to ensure that all Virginians have the right to make decisions about their own reproductive healthcare, will be launching its public-facing campaign in support of the reproductive freedom constitutional amendment on May 16, 2026.

Who: Virginians for Reproductive Freedom

What: The kickoff for the public-facing campaign to encourage passage of the constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom in Virginia in November. The kickoff will include a rally, a march, a press availability and the launch of our statewide campaign efforts. Prior to the event, some of our coalition partners will be hosting an interfaith breakfast. Email Mary Olivia, VRF Communications Director to RSVP to get the specific timing and location of the rally, an order of events, speaker bios, and information about how to access photos following the event.

When: May 16, 2026 12:00 PM approximately 12 PM to 2 PM (more information provided after RSVP.)

Where: The Bell Tower, Downtown Richmond

Why:

This November, reproductive freedom is on the ballot and Virginians for Reproductive Freedom is officially kicking off our campaign! Please join us in Richmond for powerful speakers, special guests, and opportunities to take action supporting the work ahead.

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Background:

• 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.

• Ballot language as codified: 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?