Virginia Democratic House Caucus Leader Charniele Herring nails it. Unfortunately/disgracefully, Republican Virginia Del. Ben Cline’s “Day of Tears” abortion-shaming resolution passed the House of Delegates 57-36 immediately following Del. Herring’s speech. Just remember this come November when you head to the polls to vote for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General and the entire House of Delegates…and make sure you vote Democratic!
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House,
Before Roe, women had abortions.
Women across all classes and races faced denigration and humiliation when facing unintended or untenable pregnancies.
I have great respect for the people that view the world differently than I do. And I take great pains to put myself in their shoes before I speak in public or to the press. However, in this case I cannot sit here without standing to comment.
A “Day of Tears” is an insidious way to attack the dignity and privacy of women who have made a choice regarding their own life and health.
The toll that abortion took on women before Roe was substantial. If tears must be shed, it should be shed for those women who have irreparably harmed themselves – who faced hemorrhaging and infection because they lacked access to health care.
Roe v. Wade has not increased the number of unintended pregnancies that have resulted in abortions. If this court decision went away tomorrow, abortion would not disappear. We would only return to a state of danger and humiliation for women. One in three women will have an abortion by the time they are the age of 45.
A women’s right to privacy in her own health care decisions is not something for which I can stand idly by when attempts are made to weaken them in word or action.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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