Catholic Church’s Campaign Falls Short As Virginia Voters Approve Abortion Amendment

Virginia's proposed constitutional amendment regarding abortion access passed despite the Catholic Church's historic campaign against the measure.

With 61 percent of the vote counted and 61 percent voting for the affirmative, NBC News called the election, saying that the amendment will become law. The New York Times called the race shortly after. (RELATED: Shady Dark Money Org Sends Mailers With False Pro-Life Claims To Trick GOP Voters, Group Says)

The ballot question asks voters whether the Constitution of Virginia should be amended to "protect the freedom to make personal decisions about prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion, miscarriage management, and fertility care;" prohibit legal action against healthcare workers and patients for making such decisions; and allow restrictions on abortion access during the third trimester of pregnancy, with exceptions for the health of the mother or if the pregnancy would not survive.

Protect Virginia 2026, the primary campaign committee opposing the proposition, was created directly by the Catholic Church in the commonwealth to inform voters of the Church's opposition to the proposal.

While the Church has maintained a doctrinal stance against abortion for at least 1,900 years, classifying it as a grave moral evil, the mobilization by Virginia's Catholic dioceses is notable for taking the proposition head-on through a direct campaign against the amendment.

"This fall, we Virginians face a grave moral choice," a July letter shared by the head of the Diocese of Richmond, Bishop Barry C. Knestout, said, calling the proposition "extreme" and "radical."

"As voters, we must recognize that laws shape culture and influence the protection of human rights," Knestout said. "A society that fails to defend its most vulnerable members undermines the foundation of justice itself."

The letter also highlighted the non-religious consequences of the amendment passing, including leaving parents out of the conversation about a minor's abortion, opening the door for predators and human traffickers, denying babies who survive an abortion access to medical care, and allowing unqualified personnel to assist in abortions at the risk of the patient.

"The amendment is not reproductive freedom. It is not compassion," the bishop said. "Rather, it is a grave injustice that would cause great harm to the sisters, daughters, and friends in our communities."

Knestout also directed all parishes statewide to read the letter during a September service. Some Virginia Catholics also organized voter registration drives at their parishes. (RELATED: It's Not Just Congress That's At Stake: Here Are Major Ballot Initiatives Voters Will Decide On In Midterms)

However, the effort did not bear fruit, with the state's most Catholic counties, Prince William County and Loudoun County, having voted to approve the amendment by over 40 points by the time of publication, according to Decision Desk HQ.