February 23, 2026
Virginia Democrats block abortion alternatives information requirement, advocates respond
Truth & Liberty leader says defeat of informed-consent proposal raises concerns about transparency and support for pregnant women
WOODLAND PARK, Colo. — A Virginia House of Delegates subcommittee has voted to defeat legislation that would have required abortion providers to inform women about alternatives to abortion, prompting criticism from faith-based policy advocates and pro-life leaders.
The measure, House Bill 542, was sponsored by Del. Karen Hamilton, R-Culpeper, and sought to mandate that individuals seeking abortions receive written information about safe haven provisions prior to the procedure. Safe haven provisions include options such as baby boxes and designated locations, including fire stations and police departments, where newborns may be safely and anonymously surrendered for adoption.
The subcommittee voted 7-1 to lay the bill aside, effectively ending its prospects for the legislative session.
Truth & Liberty, a national organization focused on faith, public policy and cultural issues, criticized the decision and urged lawmakers to reconsider policies that limit access to information for pregnant women.
Richard Harris, executive director of Truth & Liberty and host of the “Truth & Liberty Show,” said the legislation represented a common-sense approach to informed consent that should apply to all medical decisions.
“In 1993, Democrat President Bill Clinton famously claimed, ‘abortion should be safe, legal and rare.’ Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates just proved that they disagree,” Harris said. “To them, apparently, abortion should be quite common. So common, in fact, that we shouldn’t even tell women about safe alternatives to the deadly procedure.”
Harris called out Virginia Democratic party politicians for being hypocritical when it comes to the momentous decision involved in obtaining an abortion.
“We require informed consent for all kinds of medical decisions, including surgeries, vaccines, and prescriptions,” he said. “Not so with abortion, the ultimate sacred cow of the modern Democratic party. Democrats said they don’t want doctors telling women about free, anonymous and safe places where they can take their babies after letting them be born because such knowledge might ‘interfere’ with the woman’s desire to exterminate the innocent human life. How much darker can a political party get and still have any supporters?”
Harris said the vote reflects broader national debates over the role of government, medical ethics and patient awareness. Supporters of the defeated bill argued that providing information about safe haven laws would not restrict abortion access but would ensure women understand all available options. Opponents expressed concern that such requirements could create barriers or introduce pressure during a sensitive medical decision.
“Every woman facing an unexpected pregnancy deserves access to complete, accurate information, including resources that may help her choose life if she wishes,” Harris said. “Providing that information should never be controversial. It is a matter of compassion, transparency and basic medical ethics.”
The organization said it will continue to monitor developments in Virginia and other states where abortion policy debates are ongoing, encouraging citizens to engage with elected officials and remain informed about legislative proposals affecting life, family and medical ethics.
Truth & Liberty Foundation, headquartered in Woodland Park, Colorado, educates, unifies and mobilizes believers in Jesus Christ to affect the reformation of nations through the seven mountains of cultural influence. Truth & Liberty stands for preserving America’s constitutional republic of government from the consent of the governed through democratically elected representatives to guarantee to each citizen their Creator-given rights.
Founded by Andrew Wommack and other Christian leaders, Truth & Liberty engages in various initiatives to educate, encourage, train and connect believers to stand for Truth in the public square. The foundation’s activities include television and web-based broadcasts, meetings and events, articles, blogs, media engagement, civic mobilization, creating and connecting people to resources, and working to unify and foster strategic collaboration.
The heart of Truth & Liberty is to mobilize the church to engage with biblical truth. Often finding that churches and pastors don’t know where to start, the foundation’s goal is to educate their audience and connect them with resources and organizations nationwide to help them impact their own spheres of influence.
The “Truth & Liberty Show,” hosted by Executive Director Richard Harris, explores meaningful conversations with pastors, thought leaders and influencers who are making a real difference in the public square. The show premieres every Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m. MT with recurring contributors and guest hosts.
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To interview a representative from Truth & Liberty Foundation, contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Richard Jefferson, rjefferson@hamiltonstrategies.com.
