When I moved to Virginia to attend Liberty University over four years ago, I had a rudimentary knowledge of Virginia politics. I had heard that Virginia was a key state to win the election, but I was still naive about the impact that any Virginia election, much less a pro-life election, would have on the rest of the country. Now, four years later, I have the honor of working at Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America in Arlington, Virginia. Our fight to protect unborn babies across the country for at least the 15 weeks that the baby can feel pain, was brought to our door. The upcoming November legislative elections in Virginia have put a spotlight on the abortion policy debate.
Even before I set foot on Liberty’s campus, I knew I was pro-life. I knew that unborn children, no matter how far away they were, deserved the same protections and freedoms that I had as a youthful adult. However, without understanding Virginia politics, the importance of my pro-life stance while living in Virginia was not apparent to me.
Virginia’s significant position during election season cannot be underestimated, especially on the issue of abortion. During a recent meeting during the Virginia General Assembly session, Virginia Republicans, led by Governor Glenn Youngkin, proposed Bill which would codify 15 weeks of protection for unborn babies in the womb. The move made waves, with many of the key legislative races currently taking place in Virginia devoting immense portions of their November campaigns to the issue of abortion.
The decisions Virginia voters make in November will have a major impact on similar elections taking place across the country this year and next. Voting in Ohio will take place at the same time as the Virginia election Problem 1, radical pro-abortion legislation that would legalize abortion on demand up to birth. If that wasn’t extreme enough, it also takes away parental rights in the decision-making process, giving underage girls the right to choose abortion if they want it.
The voting results will have major implications for the 2024 presidential and congressional elections. If Republicans manage to secure victory in Virginia by concluding that unborn children deserve protection for at least 15 weeks, it would send a signal to states like New York, Maryland , Arizona, Florida, South Dakota and several others All considering ballot measures that would codify extreme abortion in their states.
Virginia is especially vital because of its location in the country and its proximity to our nation’s capital. Being both a Southern state and an outcast puts Virginia in a unique position. General elections are often won by a coin toss, and either side’s victory depends on the message and aggressiveness of the campaign.
For example, during the 2020 presidential election in Virginia voted elect President Biden. But a year later, Glenn Youngkin, an outspoken Republican and staunch conservative, won governor’s race after an intense campaign that emphasized the importance of parental rights and constitutional government.
If Virginia follows the 2021 path and adopts Governor Youngkin’s protections, it could impact how other states respond to their respective voting measures.
Governor Youngkin’s 15-week protection proposal could change the national conversation on abortion. For years, Republicans in Virginia and across the country believed a 15-week law was impossible. Now Virginia, one of the most closely watched voting states in the country, will follow the lead of other states like Indiana and Indiana that protect children in pain.
The November vote on abortion will radically change the prospects for future pro-life politics. It is critical that everyone registered to vote in Virginia shows up at the ballot box on November 7. Pro-life policies are winning, and voters across Virginia this November have a chance to further prove that fact.
Sharon Higel is a member of SBA Pro-Life America.
