Thousands of pro-life advocates are expected to gather in Richmond Jan. 15 for the fifth annual Virginia Pro-Life Day, as the General Assembly begins its 2026 session and abortion advocates push for a constitutional amendment that would make abortion a protected “right” in Virginia.
The pro-life rally, held at the Virginia State Capitol, is organized by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, in partnership with other faith-based and pro-life organizations. In a statement provided to CatholicVote, organizers said it has always been the largest citizen advocacy event held during the General Assembly session.
Amy McInerny, director of Respect Life for the Diocese of Arlington, said this year’s attendance must be even bigger.
She explained that the “Virginia Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment” — a constitutional amendment lawmakers are expected to debate in this year’s session — would dramatically expand abortion access in Virginia. Currently, Virginia law limits abortion to the second trimester, with exceptions for later-term procedures. The proposed amendment, however, would enshrine abortion as a constitutional “right,” removing all limits.
Abortion would be allowed through all nine months of pregnancy, without parental notification and waiting period regulations, and tie the hands of any future pro-life majorities in the General Assembly. Similar amendments in other states have made it nearly impossible to regulate the abortion industry, no matter how extreme the circumstances.
If approved by lawmakers, the amendment could appear on the 2026 ballot, giving Virginians a brief window to inform voters, build opposition, and promote life-affirming alternatives that protect both mother and child.
In advance of the rally, organizers are offering a virtual advocacy training session on Jan. 8 to prepare participants to meet with legislators and communicate their concerns effectively.
Virginia Pro-Life Day will include prayer, speeches, and advocacy meetings with lawmakers. Organizers expect to see participation from people across the Commonwealth, including students, families, clergy, and parish-based groups.
Bishops from dioceses across Virginia have released video messages calling on the faithful to attend and speak out.
In his message, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington highlighted the seriousness of the risk posed by the amendment, urging Catholics and all people of goodwill to take a stand.
“Virginia is facing a serious threat from an extreme proposed abortion amendment,” he said. “The state constitutional amendment would endanger the lives of unborn children up to the very moment of birth, place mothers’ health at risk, and jeopardize both parental rights and religious liberty.”
Bishop Barry Knestout of Richmond echoed the call, urging Catholics to advocate “with charity and courage.”
“In such a moment, our voices — offered with charity and courage — are especially needed,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of bearing witness to the dignity of every human person and urged participation in Mass and meetings with lawmakers at the Capitol.
“Please join me and Bishop Burbidge, along with people from across Virginia, as we proclaim a message of hope: that every life is precious,” he said.
More information and registration details are available at https://vaprolifeday.org/.
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