(LifeSiteNews) — Virginia’s bishops issued a warning to voters about the potential consequences of the upcoming election, particularly a proposed constitutional amendment that would establish abortion as a “fundamental right.”
In the letter, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Bishop Barry C. Knestout emphasized that the newly elected representatives in November will play a critical role in determining the future of the amendment.
In speaking about the abortion amendment, the bishops noted it “would allow virtually unlimited abortion at any stage of pregnancy.”
“The legislators we elect in the House races this November will decide whether these proposed constitutional amendments advance any further,” they said.
The amendment in question is Senate Joint Resolution No. 247, titled “Fundamental Right to Reproductive Freedom.” It proposes to establish a constitutional right for every Virginian to “reproductive freedom,” explicitly stating that this right shall not be infringed upon by the authorities.
“That every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including the ability to make and carry out decisions relating to one’s own prenatal care … contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management, and fertility care,” the proposed bill states.
“An individual’s right to reproductive freedom shall not be, directly or indirectly, denied, burdened, or infringed upon unless justified by a compelling state interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”
The proposed amendment has prompted a significant effort by Catholic leaders in the state to raise awareness among local Catholics about the serious impact their vote could have in November.
The Virginia Catholic Conference issued a warning in their Election 2025 Resource Hub, stating that November’s elections hold an “outsized impact” on Virginia as state legislators ready themselves to decide on “an extreme constitutional amendment establishing a ‘right’ to abortion.”
The conference also issued a flyer to educate the public on the abortion bill as well as two other important amendments that are soon to be decided, including one that would “remove Virginia’s ‘union between one man and one woman’ definition of marriage.
As the significance of the election grows, Bishops Burbidge and Knestout concluded their letter by urging Catholics to intensify their efforts in prayer and fasting.
“With so much at stake, we must prepare to engage in this year’s critical voting decisions – through conscience formation, prayer and fasting,” the bishops wrote.
“United in the Eucharist, let us pray for one another and join together as active participants in promoting the common good.”
