Virginia bishop warns abortion amendment presents ‘grave moral choice’

The bishop of Richmond is urging Catholics to reject a proposed Virginia constitutional amendment on abortion, warning that the measure threatens the protection of unborn life.

In an Aug. 30 letter, Bishop Barry Knestout called on Catholics to vote against Ballot Question 1, a proposed amendment that would add a right to abortion to the Virginia Constitution if approved by voters Nov. 3.

“This fall, we Virginians face a grave moral choice,” Bishop Knestout wrote. “The Virginia General Assembly has approved an extreme abortion amendment (the ‘Virginia Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment’) for the ballot on November 3, 2026, with early voting starting on September 18. This means we voters will decide whether to enshrine practically unregulated and unlimited abortion in our state constitution, at any time during pregnancy, even up until birth.”

The bishop pointed to the Catholic Church’s long-standing teaching that abortion is a grave moral evil, stressing that the right to life is the foundation of all other rights.

“This does not mean that Catholics are indifferent to poverty, immigration, healthcare, education, racial justice, or other important concerns,” Bishop Knestout wrote. “The Gospel calls us to care for the whole human person and the common good. Yet the right to life is foundational because no other rights can be exercised without it.”

Bishop Knestout also warned of broader consequences for women if the amendment passes.

“The [amendment] is worded vaguely in order to disguise its true meaning. It purports to help women, but in reality, it does the opposite – it harms them,” he said. “It threatens to eliminate the health regulations that protect women in our communities and puts vulnerable women at risk of being coerced into having abortions.”

The bishop also emphasized the Church’s call to mercy for those affected by abortion, saying forgiveness and healing remain possible through Christ.

“At the same time, we must approach this issue with both truth and charity,” Bishop Knestout wrote. “Many women and men carry deep wounds from past abortions. The Church proclaims not only the sanctity of life but also the boundless mercy of God.”

Bishop Knestout concluded by calling on Catholics to vote against the amendment and support women facing difficult pregnancies.

“As faithful Catholics, and citizens, I ask that you vote NO on this extreme amendment,” Bishop Knestout wrote. “Let us renew our commitment to support women in crisis, to protect the innocent, and to defend the vulnerable. We must choose life – ‘Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him.’ (Dt 30:19-20).”