Governor Youngkin Takes First Steps to Criminalize Abortion in Commonwealth

From the Democratic Party of Virginia:

Governor Youngkin Takes First Steps to Criminalize Abortion in Commonwealth

New amendment will target low-income Virginians from receiving life-saving healthcare

Richmond, VA – On Wednesday, Governor Youngkin introduced a vile anti-abortion amendment aimed to restrict crucial funds for reproductive health care that will disproportionately impact low-income Virginians, people of color, and women across the Commonwealth. While abortion will continue to be legal in Virginia, the future of abortion rights here in the Commonwealth is at stake as long as Governor Youngkin and Republicans have power.

This latest amendment follows Governor Youngkin’s long list of anti-abortion extremism. In case you missed it, here’s the Governor’s radical anti-abortion record:

• In his statement, Governor Youngkin reaffirmed what we already knew – he is 100% anti-abortion.
• Governor Youngkin promised Virginians he would go on offense and fight to enact a 20-week abortion ban.
• During the 2022 session, Republicans tried to pass several bills to turn Virginia back decades. From a 20-week abortion ban to limiting a person’s access to get the necessary health services they need.
• In a letter to anti-abortion groups, Governor Youngkin stated that he believes life begins at conception and his views are backed by science.
• Governor Youngkin pledged he would remove essential funding for reproductive health care.
• Governor Youngkin was the first Virginia Governor to participate in the Richmond anti-abortion rally.

“This vile amendment will disproportionately impact low-income Virginians, people of color, and women across the Commonwealth from receiving life-saving health care,” said DPVA Spokesperson Gianni Snidle. “But this shouldn’t come as a surprise, since news of the pending decision to overturn Roe, Governor Youngkin has voiced his support for states’ to have the ability to criminalize abortion. Virginia Democrats remain deeply committed to protecting Virginians’ right to an abortion. We will fight every single effort put forward by Governor Youngkin and Republican leadership to criminalize abortion and will ensure that Virginians have access to the health care and reproductive health care they need.”