Virginia Voters Approve Reproductive Rights Amendment

Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment establishing reproductive freedom in the state constitution, including protections for abortion, contraception and fertility care. The result was called on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, but the vote count remains unofficial and a lawsuit seeks to block certification. With unofficial results from 127 of Virginia’s 133 localities, the measure had 62% support and 38% opposition, according to a tally reported Wednesday. A separate election projection put support at about 60% when roughly 70% of votes had been counted. Neither figure is a final certified result. The amendment adds a right to make decisions about reproductive care to the state constitution and protects patients and medical providers from punishment for those decisions. It ensures abortions can occur during the first two trimesters and allows the state to regulate abortion in the third trimester, while preserving access when needed to protect a pregnant patient’s life or health. The measure also covers decisions involving prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care and miscarriage management. A lawsuit in Tazewell County challenges the amendment and asks the court for a...