Virginia Democrats Push To Enshrine Abortion After The Sixth Month
Democrats in Virginia have learned nothing from the outcome of the November elections. Even though voters overwhelmingly rejected the radical abortion ideology of Kamala Harris and other Democrats last fall, legislators in the Commonwealth continue to double down on the issue. In the opening week of the legislative session, Democrats voted to advance a constitutional amendment that would permit abortion at any point during pregnancy, for any reason, and to even remove common sense health protections for women and children, including parental consent.
It’s a strong reminder for Virginia voters, like myself, when looking ahead to the high-stakes elections later this year. Out of all of the issues to focus on, it speaks volumes that Democrats chose expanding abortion from six months to all nine months to be one of the first votes of the Virginia House of Delegates.
Thankfully, however, we the voters have a say in bringing these out-of-touch, extreme politicians back to reality. In order for the amendment to make it to the ballot, the General Assembly must pass it again in next year’s session, meaning that we have an opportunity in November to vote out lawmakers who are pushing abortion at any time, for any reason.
That’s why we must send a clear message to reject this extremism.
This also comes at a time when the Democrat party wants to federally enshrine abortion nationwide, even though voters have clearly signaled they are not buying their brand of abortion radicalism. If Virginia legislators succeed in putting this form of abortion on the ballot, however, the Commonwealth could become one of the most radical states in the country for abortion and by far — become one of the most radical regions in the world, on par with communist countries like China and Vietnam. This goes to show just how beholden they are to their ideology, and how out of touch they are with the interests of Virginians.
Virginia already has one of the most extreme abortion laws in the country, which allows abortions for any reason up to the third trimester, well after the time a baby can survive outside of the womb. I’m currently in my eighth month of pregnancy. I’ve been seeing my baby’s face and unique movements on 3D/4D ultrasound for months now. She’s a living human being who wakes me up with her early morning kicks and who moves with approval when I consume our morning breakfast of apple juice and avocado toast. But sadly, many of the leaders in my own state, don’t recognize her life as worthy of protecting. Under Virginia’s proposed amendment, a baby in the womb, just like my little girl, could be aborted at any time, for any reason, even though she is more than likely to survive if I delivered early.
Why are Virginia Democrats not satisfied with up to seven months’ worth of abortion-on-demand?
Sadly, it’s not just babies in the womb who will lose rights from the consequences of Virginia’s broad amendment, women will as well. This amendment also would strip health and safety regulations on abortion businesses and even take away informed consent laws.
Virginia could quickly become like Ohio and Michigan, where women are forced to endure the disastrous effects of extreme and broad abortion amendments. Right now, pro-abortion advocates are pushing to remove informed consent laws, 24-hour waiting periods, and the requirement for women to be seen by a licensed physician before obtaining an abortion — all under ballot measures the voters were deceived into approving. They’re also pushing for taxpayer-funded abortion.
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Oftentimes, we only think of abortion in terms of the rights of the child, but these measures strip away incredibly important health, financial, and informed consent laws that impact pregnant women and all taxpaying Americans.
If Virginia Democrats stay their course, all of us in the Commonwealth will be forced to endure the consequences of a broad and extreme ballot measure that allows unfettered access to abortion up to birth. That is not in line with the values of Virginians and does not belong anywhere near the top priorities of our government. Instead, legislators should focus on common sense measures that build out the state’s support network for women, children, and families.
Virginians must send a clear message to their legislators that late-term abortion for any reason is too extreme for us and our children.
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Emily Erin Davis is a mom and the Vice President of Communications for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.