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In the latest episode of Speak Up! Virginia, the Virginia Family Foundation delves into critical issues affecting life, family, and freedom in the Commonwealth. This week’s discussion highlights the extremist abortion amendment, parental rights, and efforts to redefine marriage in Virginia’s Constitution.
Watch the Full Episode:
Media Freak-Out over Trump Picks + Dems Fast Track Extremist Abortion Amendment
Let’s break down the key issues discussed in the episode:
1. The Extremist Abortion Amendment
Virginia’s Democratic legislators are fast-tracking a proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights as a “fundamental right.” Known as House Joint Resolution 1 (HJ1), this measure could radically transform Virginia law, making abortion untouchable by future regulations.
Key Concerns:
- Parental Rights Undermined: The amendment’s broad language guarantees rights to “individuals,” including minors. This could strip away parental involvement in decisions about abortion, contraception, or gender transition procedures.
- No Room for Restrictions: Elevating abortion to a “fundamental right” makes it nearly impossible to regulate, even in cases involving health and safety.
- Impact on Pro-Life Protections: Existing parental consent laws, safety regulations, and data collection requirements could be nullified.
This amendment doesn’t just “restore Roe”; it introduces vague, extreme language that threatens both women and children.
2. Parental Rights at Risk
The proposed language could erode parental authority in unprecedented ways. By defining reproductive rights broadly, the amendment undermines parents’ ability to guide their children in critical health decisions.
What You Need to Know:
- Parents could lose oversight over minors seeking abortions, sterilizations, or gender transition treatments.
- The amendment’s use of “individuals” instead of “adults” opens the door for minors to act without parental consent.
- It poses a direct threat to existing parental consent laws in Virginia.
3. The Attack on Marriage
Lawmakers are also proposing changes to constitutional language defining marriage as between one man and one woman. Replacing this with broad, undefined terms could have far-reaching implications.
Implications:
- Legal challenges involving polygamy and other non-traditional arrangements may arise.
- Redefining marriage weakens its foundational role in supporting stable families and communities.
4. How Virginians Can Take Action
The Family Foundation encourages all Virginians to get involved in these critical issues. Here’s how you can make a difference:
What You Can Do:
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted sources like the Virginia Family Foundation.
- Attend the Virginia March for Life: Mark your calendar for April 2, 2025, and join thousands at the state Capitol to stand for life and family values. In 2025, the VA March for Life and VA Pro Life Day will take place on two separate dates! The 2025 VA Pro Life Day will take place on January 29 and Virginia March for Life will take place on April 2, 2025! The rally will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the March will immediately following at 12:00 p.m.
We want pro-lifers in Virginia to attend both events, so please be sure to spread the word!
- Contact Your Legislators: Call or email your representatives to express opposition to the abortion amendment and support for parental rights.
Why This Matters
The sanctity of life, parental rights, and traditional marriage are cornerstones of a thriving society. The decisions made in Virginia’s General Assembly will have lasting impacts on families and communities. By staying informed and speaking up, you can help preserve these foundational values for future generations.
Share the Message
If this resonates with you, share the Speak Up! Virginia video and this article with friends, family, and your church. Together, we can ensure that life and family values are defended across the Commonwealth.
