Virginia voters to decide on amendment to protect abortion rights

Lawmakers' decision makes Virginia at least third US state in 2026 to vote on future of abortion access

The Virginia state senate voted on Friday to let voters decide whether to amend the state's constitution to protect abortion rights, in a move that will make Virginia at least the third state in 2026 to vote on the controversial topic.

The state legislature first approved the proposed amendment in early 2025, but Virginia law dictates that suggested constitutional amendments must pass in two consecutive state legislatures. The state house of delegates approved the 2026 version of the amendment earlier this week.