From Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington)’s office:
Governor Youngkin refuses to protect Virginia doctors and patients who come to Virginia seeking abortion care
Arlington, VA – Yesterday, Governor Youngkin showed how out of step he is with the majority of Virginians on reproductive rights by vetoing Senator Favola’s Senate Bill 15, which protected Virginia doctors and healthcare professionals who provide legal abortions in Virginia and their patients from being extradited to other states where they could be criminally prosecuted.
Virginia is the only state in the South without any post-Roe abortion restrictions. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood has seen a significant increase in out-of-state abortion patients. This bill would have ensured that the Commonwealth remains a place where people can safely access abortion care and where doctors and healthcare professionals can exercise their medical training and judgment without fear of prosecution.
Senator Favola said: “Much as the Governor might wish otherwise, abortion is legal in Virginia and the majority of Virginians want to keep it that way. By vetoing this bill, the Governor has refused to provide a layer of protection that Virginia healthcare professionals believe is necessary to ensure that they can provide abortion care without the fear of prosecution. Our medical professionals and the women who seek safe and legal abortions in Virginia deserve the peace of mind that this bill would have provided.”
Jamie Lockhart, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia stated: “We are deeply disappointed by Governor Youngkin’s decision to veto SB15. This bill aimed to safeguard those dedicated professionals who provide essential care, including abortions, to patients both within our Commonwealth and those compelled to travel here in search of necessary, time-sensitive care. It’s critical that our policymakers leverage every opportunity to protect access to abortion, ensuring it remains accessible for Virginians and for our neighbors seeking refuge from restrictive laws in their own states. Governor Youngkin’s veto is particularly disheartening for Virginians who are already concerned about their access to reproductive health care, exacerbating fears and uncertainties during already challenging times.”
Senator Barbara Favola represents Virginia’s 40th district, which is contained within Arlington County. Senator Favola serves on the Education and Health Committee, among other Committees, and chairs the Health Subcommittee. Senator Favola also chairs the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee and the Women’s Healthcare Caucus.
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