In recent years, debates surrounding abortion laws have remained some of the most controversial and emotional discussions in American politics. Recently, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, this issue came to the forefront with the introduction of House Bill 531. Unlike traditional abortion legislation, this “Born-Alive” bill did not address the legality of abortion itself. Instead, it focused on what happens when a baby is born after an attempted abortion, specifically when a baby is born alive, breathing, and with a heartbeat. HB 531 sought to ensure that all newborns receive the same medical care and legal protection as any other child.
On February 3, 2026, Del. Karen Hamilton (R-Virginia 62nd) introduced HB 531 to the subcommittee, noting its rationale and importance. She explained the harsh reality: some babies who survive an abortion are still at risk of being killed. These babies are often left in a room to die of exposure or killed in some other way.
Virginia HB 531 ensures that if a baby is born alive after an attempted abortion, that baby must receive the same care as any newborn would receive. The bill is not about political ideology; it is about protecting living, breathing babies who are outside the womb and have a heartbeat. It makes it a Class 4 felony for a licensed doctor to intentionally withhold care or end the life of a baby who is already born. HB 531 does not punish mothers or interfere with their rights; it simply requires that every baby born alive receives appropriate medical care.
I understood the significance of this bill and was eager to testify. As I sat there listening while the delegate provided context to the bill, I kept repeating in my head: It’s only fifteen seconds. It’s only fifteen seconds. It’s only fifteen seconds. My hands were shaking, and my heart was racing so fast I thought everyone around me could hear it. As I waited in line for my turn, I tried to look calm, knowing that so many emotions were coursing through me: fear, anger, and excitement.
Del. Hamilton warned lawmakers that this was not an abortion bill, and those who voted against it were “pro-death.” Those words made my nerves feel small; this was no longer about me speaking. It was about those who chose to stay silent. But as I stood there waiting for my turn to speak, my thoughts were not about the laws and politics, but the question that persisted was simply, why would you kill a baby?
And I realized that thought did not come naturally. It was instilled in me at a young age.
I grew up with six siblings. You can imagine our family’s house was always loud. Siblings were arguing, babies’ diapers being changed, toddlers crying, and someone was watching Sofia the First on TV. Our house was always messy with kids running all over the place – probably my mom’s worst nightmare and biggest blessing all in one.
I don’t know what I would do without my siblings in my life. It scares me to imagine my life without one of them. It scares me even more to know that any one of their lives could have ended at the very beginning, and so many years of memories and friendships would have never existed.
Unfortunately, the subcommittee hearing HB 531 recommended passing by indefinitely. That means this bill will not come up again until 2027, and for the next year, hundreds of born-alive babies will remain without legal protection. Even though this bill has been delayed, the fight will continue. We will keep introducing this bill until it is passed.
I want you to think of the person you love the most, the person that you can’t imagine not having in your life. Maybe that is your spouse, your parents, your siblings, or your best friend.
Whoever it is, picture their face, and imagine they were never given a chance to live. Imagine that life, that beautiful, incredible, irreplaceable life, only had a few seconds to exist. No memories. No hugs. No inside jokes. No “I love yous.” Gone. Not because they weren’t valuable, but because someone decided they were inconvenient.
We need to stop treating killing babies like an abstract idea. Bills like HB 531 are introduced because when life becomes abstract, it becomes seemingly easy to ignore. It is not just a “choice.” It is not just a “procedure.” It is not just a “medical issue.” It is a life. Fighting for life is the same as fighting for the people you love the most. Abortion is not an issue that must only be addressed when it affects us personally.
For Christians, this issue should matter deeply. Scripture teaches that every life is created intentionally and with purpose. Psalm 139:13 says, “You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” If we believe that life is sacred—whether in the womb or outside of it—then we should care about how newborns are treated once they are born. Supporting protection for babies who are alive and breathing should not be political; it should be consistent with our faith.
I testified because I have seen what life becomes when you give it a chance. My prayer is that, through His guidance and strength, I spoke with the wisdom of the Lord, because I am confident that every life is precious and deserves that chance.
Gwenevere Highfill is a Young Women for America Chapter President in Virginia.
