Editor, Gazette-Journal: As Virginians consider the proposed “Right to Reproductive Freedom” amendment, the U.S. Constitution’s call to “form a more perfect Union” offers a useful standard: would this amendment improve Virginia’s Constitution and the welfare of its citizens? Laws such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act improved public welfare by adding protections that reduced workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses. By contrast, this proposed amendment to Virginia’s Constitution would remove important guardrails that protect women, minors and parental rights. For example, the amendment says the Commonwealth shall not penalize or take adverse action against individuals based on pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. This could deter investigations when abortions are suspicious or coerced. Protections for scared, naïve pregnant minors are absent from this amendment. Let’s be honest, such minors can be easily coerced. Who will advocate for them? This p...