From Planned Parenthood of Virginia:
Richmond–Today, the General Assembly voted to approve the Governor’s amendment to ban abortion coverage in the new health care marketplace. The amendment will prohibit women from purchasing comprehensive health insurance which provides a full range of reproductive health care.
“We are extremely disappointed that the majority of the members of the General Assembly put politics above women’s health when they approved the Governor’s amendment,” said Cianti Stewart-Reid, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia.
“Most health plans already include coverage for abortion. A woman should be able to make personal decisions about her health care without the interference of politicians, and her health coverage should enable her to take care of her health and well being,” continued Stewart-Reid.
“Now, the women of the Commonwealth will not have access to the full range of reproductive health services and the promise of the Affordable Care Act, which included historic health care benefits for women,” Stewart-Reid concluded.
Now, the amended bill will be returned to the Governor for his final approval or veto.
UPDATE: I’m told that Sen. Blevins (R) “was supposed to vote no, but he messed it up by accident. That is why Sen. Wagner walked on the second vote. It would have been 19-20 and defeated.” Ugh.
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