By Kate Quiñones
CNA Staff, Jan 16, 2025 / 17:15 pm
Stay updated with the latest abortion- and pro-life-related news.
Virginia pro-abortion ballot proposal advances
Virginia Democrats have pushed forward a proposal to establish abortion as a protected right in the state constitution. This amendment aims to secure a “fundamental right to reproductive freedom,” safeguarding abortion in the first two trimesters and imposing some restrictions in the third trimester.
Currently, abortions are legal in Virginia up to the second trimester, with second-trimester abortions permitted only in cases where the mother’s life is at risk and certified by three doctors. The proposed amendment seeks to reduce this requirement to just one doctor.
The proposal narrowly passed in the House of Delegates with a 51-48 vote. Critics from the Virginia Republican party have denounced the measure as “extreme,” expressing concerns that it could potentially override an existing Virginia law mandating parental consent for minors seeking abortions. Meanwhile, Democrats argue that decisions regarding women’s healthcare should not be dictated by the government.
If the amendment is approved by the state House and Senate next year, it will proceed to the ballot. Virginia is following the trend of many states revisiting abortion laws following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Idaho considers raising voting threshold for ballot initiatives
Idaho Republicans have introduced a bill to elevate Idaho’s voting threshold for statewide ballot initiatives. The bill proposes to amend the current Idaho law, which requires a simple majority of 50% plus one to pass an initiative or referendum. The new bill aims to raise the threshold to 60%, a change advocated by state Rep. Bruce Skaug who believes this adjustment will address Idaho’s “broken” system and reduce the influence of out-of-state funding in the state.
