HB 781 / SB 449: Virginia to Put Reproductive Freedom Referendum on the November 2026 Ballot

February 6, 2026

Summary

HB 781 / SB 449 was enacted in February 2026. It provides for a referendum at the November 3, 2026, general election on an amendment to Virginia's constitution relating to the right to make one's own decisions related to reproductive health care, including access to abortion. The amendment protects patients and their doctors and nurses from being punished for making such decisions. The amendment allows the state to place restrictions on abortion access during the third trimester of pregnancy except when the patient's life or physical or mental health is at risk or the pregnancy cannot survive.

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