VA House Dems’ Leader Don Scott: “It is unacceptable that the leader of our state would support legislation that poses a direct threat to the lives of half our population”

See below for a press release from the VA House Democratic Caucus, referring to this legislation defining life as beginning at conception and, effectively, banning all abortion – and most likely several forms of contraception – in Virginia. The bottom line is that if you elect Republicans, this is what you get, which is why Democrats BADLY need to: a) win the special election for State Senate on 1/10/23; b) at the minimum, hold the State Senate next year, or better yet increase the Democratic majority; c) take back the House of Delegates.

Republicans Seek Absolute Ban on All Abortion

RICHMOND, VA – Recently, a MAGA Delegate filed a bill that “repeals all provisions…allowing for the performance of abortion.”

The incredibly extreme Republican-backed bill defines life at the time of conception and would not only jeopardize the lives of countless women by blocking access to life saving care, but would also create chaos by blocking access to forms of contraception, fertility care, and other basic medical needs.

Public opinion is clear – there is no room in Virginia for this kind of backwards thinking that could go as far as to prosecute doctors who provide life-saving care to women experiencing miscarriages. Yet Youngkin has said he is “optimistic” about signing a bill to ban abortion.

“We call on Governor Youngkin to state whether he would sign this bill that restricts women’s health care options or any other bill that restricts health care,” Leader Don Scott said in a statement. “It is unacceptable that the leader of our state would support legislation that poses a direct threat to the lives of half our population. But we’ve come to expect the unacceptable from Youngkin.”

“This bill is extreme and dangerous,” House Caucus Chair Charniele Herring added. “I look forward to the Governor announcing that he will not support the legislation.”

This bill makes clear what the ultimate Republican goal is – an absolute ban on all abortions. The women of Virginia deserve more than these MAGA attempts to remove their autonomy, their privacy, and their safety.

The House Democratic Caucus will be introducing a full reproductive freedom agenda, including a constitutional amendment to guarantee the women of Virginia the right to make their own medical decisions.