NCJW Celebrates Reproductive Freedom Victories in Missouri and Virginia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
PRESS CONTACT: press@ncjw.org
WASHINGTON — Tonight, voters in Missouri and Virginia delivered two important victories for reproductive freedom. Missourians rejected Amendment 3, preserving the reproductive rights protections they approved just two years ago, while Virginians voted to enshrine reproductive freedom in their state constitution.
In response, leaders from National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) — the leading Jewish feminist civil rights organization, representing 250,000 changemakers across the United States and Israel — issued the following statements:
Darcy Hirsh, vice president of government relations and advocacy at NCJW:
“Tonight, voters in Missouri and Virginia sent a powerful and unmistakable message: reproductive freedom is a fundamental right, and the people will fight to protect it. In Missouri, voters stood up once again to defend the freedoms they secured just two years ago. In Virginia, they took a historic step toward ensuring those freedoms are protected for generations to come.
These victories belong to the voters, advocates, and organizers who refused to accept that politicians should have the final say over our bodies, our health, and our futures. And our work extended far beyond these two states — through our partnership with VoteRiders, NCJW reached over 550,000 voters in states with restrictive voter ID laws, helping people navigate these potential barriers to the ballot box.
For more than 130 years, NCJW has fought for a world where women, children, and families can thrive with dignity and freedom. Our Jewish values compel us to protect life and health, honor individual moral agency, and defend the right of every person to make decisions about their own body and future. Tonight, we celebrate what is possible when people come together to turn those values into action. We will not stop working to make reproductive freedom a reality — for everyone — across the entire nation.”
Lisa Gubernik, president of NCJW St. Louis:
“Two years ago, Missourians made history by voting to protect reproductive freedom. When politicians tried to undo that decision, our community refused to be intimidated or silenced. We organized, we reached out to our neighbors, and we reminded people of what was at stake. Tonight, Missouri voters made their voices heard once again. I couldn’t be prouder of the extraordinary women and advocates of NCJW St. Louis who have poured so much of themselves into this work, alongside our partners across the state. We’ve fought for these freedoms for generations, and tonight is a testament to what a committed, determined grassroots movement can accomplish.”
Joanie Hunn, NCJW Virginia state policy advocate:
“Virginia has taken an extraordinary step forward, and I am so proud to have been part of the movement that made it happen. For years, we worked to get this amendment through the legislature and onto the ballot, bringing together health care professionals, faith leaders, advocates, and families from across the Commonwealth. Our Virginians for Reproductive Freedom coalition showed what is possible when people with different backgrounds unite around a shared commitment to protecting our rights. Tonight, we celebrate more than an election result. We celebrate the countless conversations, relationships, and acts of courage that brought us here, and the stronger, more secure future we’ve helped build for Virginians. With this amendment, our work doesn’t stop here. It is growing our Virginia Interfaith Coalition for Reproductive Health and Justice into a movement of shared faith values to the table where true equity in reproductive health care can occur.”
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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a 133-year-old Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 250,000 grassroots advocates and 45 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to effect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. We approach our work through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted in a uniquely Jewish way. Learn more at NCJW.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.