Over 100 Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia Supporters “Pink Out” Capitol for Reproductive Freedom

Richmond, Va  — Today, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia hosted a successful Lobby Day, where over 100 advocates met with over forty legislators at the Virginia General Assembly Building in support of reproductive rights. Clad in pink “Reproductive Freedom 2026” shirts, advocates and allies expressed unwavering support for legislation that broadens access to contraception while advocating for the safeguarding of abortion providers and patients seeking reproductive health care in Virginia. Simultaneously, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia declared its staunch opposition to all attempts to interject politicians into the private medical decisions rightfully belonging to each patient and their health care provider.

Jamie Lockhart, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia:

“Today, Virginians from all corners of the Commonwealth convened at the General Assembly, united in their support for reproductive freedom. PPAV supporters engaged in dozens of discussions with legislators, urging an end to the continuous legislative debates over reproductive rights. They emphasized that decisions regarding pregnancy, including abortion, contraception, and miscarriage care, are deeply personal and should remain with individuals and their families, free from governmental interference.

Highlighting the importance of the constitutional amendment for reproductive freedom, the advocates pointed out the current lack of comprehensive state or federal protections for abortion rights and how this constitutional change seeks to prevent the Commonwealth and local governments from imposing unnecessary restrictions on abortion and other reproductive health care services. 

We also broke off in regional groups to discuss strategies to build grassroots support for enshrining reproductive freedom in Virginia's constitution, culminating in a statewide referendum in November 2026. Voters should have the opportunity to guarantee reproductive freedom, and we're excited to collaborate with legislators and supporters to make this constitutional safeguard a reality.”

Two recent polls show that a majority of Virginians support amending the state’s constitution to protect abortion rights. A CNU Wason Center poll showed 62% in support and a recent poll from Virginia Commonwealth University showed that the majority of Virginians (57%) would support a ballot referendum protecting abortion rights.

For more information on PPAV’s legislative priorities or how to join PPAV’s email list, visit ppav.org or follow us on Instagram @PPAVA, Facebook and Twitter @PPAVirginia. 

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Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia (PPAV) is a statewide advocacy organization whose mission is to preserve and broaden access to reproductive health care through legislation, public education, electoral activity and litigation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. PPAV works to ensure that individuals and families have the freedom, information, and ability to make their own informed reproductive decisions.