Abortion and Marriage Amendments on Virginia Ballot This Fall
Virginians will vote on two constitutional amendments that affect the family this fall. Question 1 asks voters to enshrine abortion in the state constitution and Question 2 would redefine marriage.
A “Yes” vote on Question 1 creates a constitutional “right” to abortion in the state. A “No” vote would help save babies’ lives.
A “Yes” vote on Question 2 removes the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman from the Virginia Constitution. A “No” vote keeps the Constitution’s existing definition of marriage unchanged.
Both measures were referred to the ballot by the Virginia legislature.
Question 1 — Abortion
Question 1 asks voters to enshrine abortion in the state constitution.
If approved, the proposed amendment would add the following language to the Virginia Constitution:
That every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom, including the ability to make and carry out decisions relating to one’s own prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, abortion care, miscarriage management, and fertility care.
The amendment goes on to say that, though the state may regulate abortion in the third trimester, it may never prohibit an abortion a physician says is needed to protect the woman’s “physical or mental health.” This exception creates a significant loophole which will result in third trimester abortions.
The Family Foundation, which opposes both amendments, explains that Question 1 would:
• Allow abortions into the ninth month of pregnancy on healthy babies who feel pain.
• Eliminate parental consent and notification requirements on abortions for minors.
• Weaken existing health and safety regulations meant to protect women.
• Enable “gender transitions” for minors without parental involvement.
Question 1 gives this “right” to “every individual,” with no exception for minors. The Family Foundation warns that its “reproductive freedom” and “fertility care” language could allow girls and boys to receive opposite-sex hormones without their parents’ knowledge or consent.
The Family Foundation offers several videos explaining Question 1, the abortion amendment, in more detail.
The campaign behind Question 1 is led by Virginians for Reproductive Freedom. Its largest donors are Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood and the ACLU, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
Opponents include the Virginia Catholic Conference, Virginias for Safe Reproductive Policy and Virginia Medical Professionals for Women’s Safety.
The money gap is significant. Ballotpedia reports that supporters of Question 1 have raised more than $2.8 million, compared to about $172,000 for opponents.
According to the Wason Center, polling from January 2026 showed support for the Question 1 at 66%, with 28% in opposition. Those numbers were up from January 2025, when the same poll found support for the amendment was at 61% versus 32% in opposition.
Question 2 — Marriage
Question 2 targets the institution of marriage by attempting to remove its natural definition from the state constitution.
In 2006, Virginians added the definition of marriage — the union of one man and one woman —to their constitution by a vote of 57% to 42%.
Question 2 would strike that language. In its place, it would require the state to issue marriage licenses to, and treat equally, any two coupled adults, “regardless of the sex, gender, or race” of either person.
The Family Foundation explains that Question 2 would:
• Repeal the marriage amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
• Enshrine gender ideology into the state constitution, which threatens parental rights and protection for girls in sports and their private spaces.
According to the Family Foundation, by listing “gender” separately from “sex,” Question 2 writes transgender ideology into Virginia’s constitution. They say that would put pressure on schools, businesses and the government to adopt policies conflicting with biological reality.
The campaign for Question 2 is led by Virginians for Marriage Equality, backed by the ACLU of Virginia and Equality Virginia.
The Family Foundation leads the opposition.
According to Ballotpedia, supporters have raised more than $242,000, most of it services donated by the ACLU of Virginia. Opponents reported about $5,800 in contributions.
Focus on the Family urges all our friends to pray, vote, and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Voting is a civic duty. As Bible-believing Christians, it is incumbent upon us to vote our values this fall.
Early voting in Virginia runs through October 31. Election Day is November 3.
