Feb. 26, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: I’m writing to correct the misinformation included in The New-Gazette’s piece on the Family Foundation speaker at the Rockbridge Area Republican Committee meeting.
The piece states that Bruce Schlesman will speak on the Reproductive Freedom amendment “that will provide a constitutional right to abortion up to the moment of birth.” This is false.
The correct information, as documented by WHRO Public Media, is explained here: https:// www.whro.org/health/202602-13/a-constitutional-amendment- on-reproductive-rights-isheaded- to-virginias-ballot-hereswhat- it-would-do. The WHRO piece is clear about the text of the amendment: “The amendment would not expand abortion access beyond what is already available under Virginia law. Abortion during the third trimester would still be prohibited, except in two circumstances: when a physician determines the patient’s life or physical or mental health is at risk, or when the fetus is not viable.
“It also does not address insurance coverage or public funding, meaning it would not change Medicaid or Medicare payment for reproductive health care.”
Here’s a direct link to the proposed amendment: https:// lis.blob.core.windows.net/ files/1081212.PDF .
I’m sure our community would appreciate knowing that The News-Gazette and the Rockbridge Area Republican Committee are interested in sharing only correct, verified information. ELLEN MAYOCK Lexington
