As thousands of pro-life advocates gathered at the Virginia State Capitol on Jan. 15 during the opening days of the General Assembly session, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington issued a statement warning that a proposed constitutional amendment would “enshrine abortion up to the very moment of birth” and reshape Virginia law.
This amendment comes along with anticipated legislation to legalize physician-assisted suicide and potential removal of parental involvement in minors’ decisions regarding abortion and gender-rejecting medical interventions, according to the bishop.
“These threats to the Commonwealth of Virginia are serious and would represent a serious moral and social regression,” Bishop Burbidge stated. “These threats would contribute to a cultural mentality that views human life as disposable when others are dependent, experiencing treatable forms of suffering, or are simply seen as inconvenient. Our response as Catholics — and as citizens committed to justice — must be rooted in faith, truth, and love.”
The Jan. 15 gathering, known as Virginia Pro-Life Day, is an annual prayer and advocacy event held during the legislative session. Organizers say this year carries high stakes as lawmakers consider a measure that would expand abortion access statewide, as CatholicVote previously reported.
“This year, because of the looming threat of an extreme abortion amendment to our state constitution, the Gospel of Life and our call to witness are particularly imperative,” Bishop Burbidge wrote, warning that proposals under consideration during the legislative session pose “serious” threats to the Commonwealth and to “the dignity of human life at its most vulnerable stages.”
He pointed, in particular, to the proposed constitutional amendment that would “enshrine abortion up to the very moment of birth” and eliminate parental involvement in minors’ medical decisions.
The bishop also warned of separate legislation that could legalize physician-assisted suicide, saying it would place “the elderly, the disabled, and those who suffer from serious illness or despair” at increased risk. According to Compassion and Choice, an end-of-life advocacy group supporting euthanasia, bills to legalize the practice are anticipated to be introduced in the Virginia General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session.
Grounding his remarks in Catholic teaching, Bishop Burbidge cited Scripture and recent statements by Pope Leo XIV, who has described human life as a “priceless gift” and called on governments to protect unborn children while providing concrete support for women so they can welcome new life.
The bishop urged Catholics to pray, fast, and engage in public advocacy during the legislative session.
“Advocacy allows us to bring our convictions into the public square with respect, clarity, and perseverance,” he wrote.
At the same time, Bishop Burbidge emphasized that the truth that lies at the center of the Church’s pro-life mission is that “the Church is a loving mother.”
“To any man or woman who carries the pain, regret, or sorrow of participation in abortion, know this clearly — you are not alone, and God awaits you with love and mercy. The Church desires to walk with you on a journey of healing and hope,” he wrote.
He pointed to ministries such as Project Rachel, which offer confidential, nonjudgmental accompaniment and healing.
Bishop Burbidge concluded by urging Virginians to “pray fervently, act courageously, and serve generously,” expressing hope that the Commonwealth would choose policies that “recognize every human life as sacred.”
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