Bill > SJR247

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to the Virginia Constitution that establishes a fundamental right to reproductive freedom. The amendment would guarantee every individual the right to make decisions about their own reproductive health, including prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management, and fertility care. The proposed amendment stipulates that this right cannot be denied or burdened unless there is a compelling state interest, and even then, such limitation must be achieved through the least restrictive means. Specifically, the Commonwealth may regulate abortion care in the third trimester, but cannot prohibit an abortion that is medically necessary to protect the life or health of the pregnant individual or when a physician determines the fetus is not viable. The amendment also prohibits the Commonwealth from penalizing or prosecuting individuals for exercising their reproductive rights or for assisting others in doing so. A state interest is defined as compelling only if it is focused on maintaining an individual's health consistent with clinical standards, and the amendment is designed to be self-executing, with invalid provisions being severable from the rest of the section.

Government Affairs

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SJ247