Richmond, VA – Today, the Virginia Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections carried over Senator Jennifer Boysko’s bill SJ1, the Reproductive Freedom Constitutional amendment into the 2025 General Assembly session. The proposed amendment would enshrine the fundamental right for Virginians to make their own decisions about matters relating to reproductive health with their healthcare provider in the Virginia Constitution.  This right includes but is not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage care, and fertility treatment without political interference. 

“We’ve watched voters around the nation who have use their voices in referendums in multiple states to protect the fundamental freedom to keep control of their bodies,” said Senator Jennifer B. Boysko, Chief Patron of the amendment. “Virginia voters sent a loud and clear message in November.  They do not support abortion bans in the Commonwealth.  To the voters, we hear you, we see you, and we are protecting your right to abortion.” Currently, Virginia is the only state in the South with reasonable access to abortion. More than 30 million women of reproductive age live in states with abortion bans. 

“I’ve been fighting to protect abortion access since the 1980’s and we know that Republicans will support  abortion bans at all costs. They have repeatedly introduced legislation that would criminalize patients and medical professionals.” said Senator Jennifer B. Boysko. “ Every pregnancy is different and we should trust patients and their medical providers to make the best decisions about abortion care.  I’m proud to stand up for the rights of women and people who can become pregnant to assure they have the freedom to make these decisions for themselves without political interference.”