The Truth About Virginia’s SJ247: An Extreme Amendment With Lasting Consequences

Virginia’s SJ247 proposes to make “reproductive freedom” a constitutional right. Supporters frame it as progress, but in reality, this amendment goes far beyond protecting women’s health—it dismantles essential safeguards for parents, children, and families across the Commonwealth.

Eliminating Parental Consent

Under SJ247, minors could undergo abortions or other reproductive procedures without any parental consent or involvement. Parents would be cut out of life-altering medical decisions, leaving children vulnerable to outside pressures and potentially unsafe choices.

Expanding Late-Term Abortion Access

The amendment broadens exceptions for late-term abortions. Instead of being limited to life-threatening conditions, “mental health” concerns could justify the procedure. Critics warn this vague and open-ended standard effectively removes meaningful restrictions, allowing late-term abortions under virtually any circumstance.

Weakening Medical Oversight

Currently, late-term abortions in Virginia require approval from three licensed physicians, ensuring checks and balances in critical medical decisions. SJ247 lowers that standard to just one doctor, concentrating authority in a single individual’s hands and reducing accountability.

Why This Matters

Taken together, these provisions represent a sweeping shift in Virginia’s laws. Instead of strengthening healthcare protections, SJ247:

• Strips away parental rights

• Undermines medical accountability

• Puts child safety at risk

This is not a minor policy change—it’s an extreme cultural and legal shift that will affect families, communities, and the healthcare system for generations.

Stand Up Against SJ247

Virginians deserve laws that protect both women and children—without sacrificing safety, oversight, or parental involvement.

Protect parental rights. Protect medical standards. Protect Virginia’s families. Say NO to SJ247.