Spanberger: “Virginians Can Feel Confident That When I Am Governor, I Will Sign the Right to Contraception Act Into Law”
RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after Governor Youngkin vetoed legislation that would guarantee Virginians’ right to access contraception and birth control.
“I continue to hear from Virginians who are stunned that some politicians believe our access to birth control is up for debate. Democrats in our General Assembly have worked for years to make sure Virginia remains the only Southern state not to further restrict reproductive healthcare access in the wake of the Dobbs decision. It’s past time we have a Governor who will actually put pen to paper to protect Virginians’ freedoms.
“I find it unacceptable that Virginia’s Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and some members of our General Assembly think they’re entitled to a say in when Virginians start and grow their families. I believe in Virginians’ fundamental right to privacy — and I know we must make sure that right is protected for future generations.
“Virginians can feel confident that when I am Governor, I will sign the Right to Contraception Act into law — and I will always defend their reproductive freedoms.”
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.
After majorities of the House of Delegates and Virginia Senate earlier this year sent legislation to Governor Youngkin’s desk to protect Virginians’ right to access contraception, he gutted the Right to Contraception Act. Spanberger responded and emphasized how his action “leaves the rights of Virginians at risk.”
Last Friday, one week ahead of the May 2 deadline for Governor Youngkin to act on the legislation, Spanberger urged him to “use his signature to guarantee Virginians that freedom.”
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