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Virginia's Catholic bishops issued a strong statement on Friday, January 16, decrying the passage of an amendment that could result in abortion "rights" added to the state's constitution.
"For the second straight year, the General Assembly has passed a proposed constitutional amendment that would add an extreme and deadly 'fundamental right' to abortion to Virginia’s constitution," said Bishops Michael Burbidge of Arlington and Barry Knestout of Richmond in the statement.
The legislation was a priority and passed through both chambers of the legislature in just three days, said the bishops, which is "truly shocking to the conscience."
"The extreme abortion amendment, which will proceed to a referendum for voters to decide later this year, would go far beyond even what Roe v. Wade previously allowed," said the statement.
If passed, abortion would be legal throughout the entirety of a pregnancy, with no age restrictions.
"Among numerous other problems, it would severely jeopardize Virginia’s parental consent law, health and safety standards for women, conscience protections for healthcare providers, and restrictions on taxpayer-funded abortions," said the statement.
"Most tragically of all, the extreme abortion amendment provides no protections whatsoever for preborn children," said the bishops.
With the General Assembly's approval of the amendment, it will now go to a statewide referendum later in 2026, said the bishops. The Church will be "deeply engaged" to educate voters about the amendment, and "will fight the extreme abortion amendment with maximum determination."
Bishop Burbidge earlier asked for prayer, fasting
On Thursday, January 15, Bishop Burbidge issued a statement about the upcoming Virginia General Assembly, requesting that Catholics pray and fast ahead of various proposed legislation.
"This year, because of the looming threat of an extreme abortion amendment to our state constitution, the Gospel of Life and our call to witness are particularly imperative," said Burbidge in the statement, which was published on the Diocese of Arlington's website.
The Virginia General Assembly convenes from January 14 through March 15, he said, and during this session, there are "serious legislative proposals that threaten the dignity of human life at its most vulnerable stages."
Chief among these is the proposed "Virginia Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment," which will "enshrine abortion up to the very moment of birth, along with the potential removal of parental involvement in minors’ decisions regarding abortion and gender-rejecting medical interventions."
Assisted suicide too?
Besides this, Burbidge warned there is a possibility of legislation to legalize physician-assisted suicide in the state.
"These threats to the Commonwealth of Virginia are serious and would represent a serious moral and social regression. These threats would contribute to a cultural mentality that views human life as disposable when others are dependent, experiencing treatable forms of suffering, or are simply seen as inconvenient," he said.
As Catholics, and those "committed to justice," the proper response to these actions "must be rooted in faith, truth, and love," said Burbidge.
"For this reason, I once again invite the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington to pray, fast, and advocate for the cause of life. Prayer opens our hearts to God’s wisdom and strengthens us to act with courage and charity. Fasting makes reparation for sin and reminds us that true freedom is found not in self-indulgence, but in self-gift. Advocacy allows us to bring our convictions into the public square with respect, clarity, and perseverance," he said.
For now, said Burbidge, "it is essential to reaffirm a truth that lies at the very center of the Church's pro-life mission: the Church is a loving mother."
"Our commitment to the sanctity of human life extends far beyond opposition to abortion or assisted suicide," said Burbidge.
"It includes support for expectant mothers in need, accompaniment of families, the education of children, care for the sick and elderly, defense of the disabled, and the creation of communities where every person is welcomed, protected, and cherished," he said.
"When we embrace human life in all its stages, we reflect the heart of Christ, who came that all might have life and have it abundantly."
