If Abortion Is Already Legal in Virginia, Why Change the Constitution?

What happens when a major constitutional amendment is approaching a vote, but even some of the people most engaged with the issue don't know it's happening?

Thomas Hill, co-founder of Virginia for Preborn Justice, joins Scott and Marcie to discuss Virginia's proposed abortion amendment and the challenges facing those organizing against it.

Thomas says he's encountered sidewalk counselors, pregnancy center volunteers, and college students who knew little or nothing about the amendment. Meanwhile, supporters of the measure have spent years developing their messaging and organizing efforts.

But what happens when voters begin asking questions? At Virginia Tech, Thomas recalls a 25-minute conversation with a pro-choice student who walked away reconsidering how she would vote. He explains why he believes focusing on the preborn child changes the conversation, including among people who disagree about abortion.

The discussion also explores disagreements over messaging within the pro-life movement, efforts to build coalitions across political and religious lines, and the importance of understanding what the proposed amendment would change.

And for those wondering how to get involved, Thomas offers a practical starting point: look for opportunities to serve people in your own community, even if you can only spare an hour a month.

Watch the full conversation on Dear Jane.

--

0:06 — Is Virginia Ready for This Fight?

1:22 — Why Are People Just Hearing About It?

2:16 — Did Pro-Lifers Wait Too Long?

3:26 — How the Amendment Is Being Sold

4:57 — Abortion Is Already Legal. So What Changes?

6:05 — Do Virginians Know the Current Law?

7:03 — Why Should Pro-Life Voters Show Up?

9:44 — Do College Students Know This Is Happening?

11:52 — The 25-Minute Conversation That Changed the Tone

12:34 — What Changes When You Center the Victim?

13:49 — Can Graphic Images Still Break Through?

16:47 — The Woman or the Baby?

19:08 — What Can Unite Pro-Lifers?

22:14 — You Don’t Need the Same Message

23:26 — A Coalition Across Beliefs

24:27 — How Thomas Hill Became Pro-Life

25:19 — The Face He Couldn’t Forget

26:25 — When Abortion Stopped Being Abstract

28:30 — Start Small

30:20 — One Hour a Month

31:26 — It’s Not About Our Comfort

32:13 — Where to Learn More