Lawsuit Against Virginia Reproductive Freedom Amendment Dismissed

BEDFORD, Va – The Bedford County Circuit Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by Liberty Counsel challenging Virginia’s Reproductive Freedom Amendment on procedural grounds. With this dismissal, the amendment will move forward — a resounding victory for Virginia voters. Judge Cook held that the antiquated § 30-13 courthouse posting requirement was directory, not mandatory and that was already repealed.

“We are confident that attempts to disrupt Virginia’s democratic process will be unsuccessful, just like this lawsuit was,” said Han Jones, Campaign Manager with Virginians for Reproductive Freedom.“Organizations like Liberty Counsel are desperate to stop this vote because they know how popular this amendment is among Virginia voters. They will continue to fail. The power is with the people now.”

The effort to enshrine reproductive freedom in Virginia’s Constitution began more than three years ago after the Dobbs decision stripped millions of people of their federal right to abortion. Advocates and volunteers across the Commonwealth have worked hard ever since to make sure every Virginian knows about this critical amendment.

As required in the state constitution, the amendment cleared two General Assembly sessions with an intervening House of Delegates election, the Governor signed the enabling legislation, and reproductive freedom is on the ballot this November as Question 1. Now, the power to amend Virginia’s constitution is in the hands of the voters. On November 3rd, the people will make their voices heard and vote to ensure our right to reproductive healthcare is protected in Virginia’s Constitution.

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Virginians for Reproductive Freedom is a coalition of Virginia families, doctors, nurses, and advocacy organizations who believe that all Virginians should be able to make decisions regarding their own reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, without government interference, and no one should be faced with criminal punishment for making these decisions or providing healthcare.