RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today — one week ahead of the May 2 deadline to act on legislation — called on Governor Youngkin to sign legislation to protect Virginians’ right to access contraception and birth control.
“In the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, anti-choice politicians across the country used this ruling as justification to attack Americans’ right to privacy and access to birth control and emergency contraception. But here in Virginia, Democrats in our General Assembly passed legislation to protect Virginians’ right to access contraception and birth control — and then stood firm after the Governor attempted to gut it.
“Politicians should not be dictating the personal healthcare decisions that Virginians can or can’t make. Virginians deserve the continued right to choose when to start and grow their families — and Governor Youngkin should use his signature to guarantee Virginians that freedom.
“As the next Governor of Virginia, I will always stand up for Virginians’ fundamental rights. When this legislation lands on my desk, I will sign it into law.”
BACKGROUND
Spanberger has long worked to protect Virginians’ fundamental rights. During her three terms representing Virginia’s Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives, Spanberger worked to protect the right to access reproductive care — particularly in the wake of the Dobbs decision. In July 2022, Spanberger helped lead the charge to pass legislation to codify Americans’ right to access and use birth control into federal law.
In February, after majorities of the House of Delegates and Virginia Senate sent legislation to Governor Youngkin’s desk to protect Virginians’ right to access contraception, Spanberger urged the Governor to “do the right thing” and sign the legislation into law. When Governor Youngkin gutted this legislation, Spanberger responded and emphasized how his action “leaves the rights of Virginians at risk.”
Governor Youngkin has until 11:59pm on Friday, May 2 to act on the Right to Contraception Act.
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