The Virginia Senate has passed a constitutional amendment allowing abortion at any stage of pregnancy. The decision, made this afternoon in Richmond, Virginia, saw 21 Democrats voting in favor and 19 Republicans opposing the measure. This amendment also seeks to remove parental consent requirements, end health protections for women and girls, and mandate taxpayer funding for abortions.

To be enacted, the amendment must receive approval from the General Assembly again following the November election. If successful, it will override Virginia's current law that limits abortion after 27 weeks of gestation.

Caitlin Connors, Regional Political Director for SBA Pro-Life America, expressed opposition to the vote: "Today's vote by Senate Democrats is extreme and deeply unpopular with Virginians."

In contrast to this legislative development, Governor Glenn Youngkin's budget proposal aims to assist mothers and protect unborn children. His budget plan includes halting state funding for abortions related to disability diagnoses and allocates over $4 million towards pilot programs aimed at improving maternal health. These programs would support additional OB-GYN residencies as well as expand doula and midwife services.

Current medical understanding indicates that by six months of gestation, a prematurely born baby may survive outside the womb. At 22 weeks gestation, there is an 18.9% chance of survival during the first year which increases significantly to 81.7% by 25 weeks. During these stages of development, babies are capable of responding to touch and sound as well as practicing breathing.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America represents a network exceeding one million pro-life Americans nationwide. Their mission focuses on ending abortion through electing leaders who advocate life-saving laws while particularly promoting pro-life women leaders.