Victory Alert: Physician Assisted Suicide Was Defeated!

Bills to legalize physician assisted suicide (PAS) failed to advance this year!

On Wednesday, February 11, the House Courts of Justice Committee voted to continue the physician assisted suicide bill (HB886, D-Hope) to 2027. In practical terms, this action ends consideration of the bill for this session. Rather than taking a direct vote on the measure, the committee chose to carry it over which is a polite way of effectively stopping its progress this year.

The week prior, on February 5th, the Senate Education and Health Committee voted 8–7 not to advance the Senate companion bill (SB359, (D-Boysko), halting that legislation for the year as well. Democrat Senators Skylar VanValkenburg and Lashrecse Aird joined Republicans in voting to prevent the bill from moving forward. Their decision underscores that there remains bipartisan concerns that remain about legalizing assisted suicide in the Commonwealth.

These results reflect the faithful, persistent work of countless advocates across Virginia. On behalf of The Family Foundation, thank you to everyone who contacted legislators, but most of all prayed for a favorable outcome.

While this is another great win, our work is not finished this session. There remain some critical bills that will impact families and our communities still to be voted on as we approach crossover.

Thank you for your support and continued prayers!