RICHMOND, Va. — The sponsors of Virginia's Right to Contraception Act are vowing to continue to fight for the legislation even after Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin's veto Friday.
"I'm here to say that the fight isn't over," said state Sen. Ghazala F. Hashmi (D-Chesterfield).
Hashmi was joined by House sponsor Del. Marcia Price (D-Newport News), Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Lara Bury and Penny Blue — both from Red, Wine and Blue, a women's rights advocacy group.
"This bill would have simply protected the rights of contraception in Virginia if the Supreme Court were to take away that right like they did with the Dobbs' decision and abortion, " explained Price.
Supporters worry Republicans will follow recent abortion bans with a move to deny access to contraception.
When the U.S. Supreme Court voted to strip away the constitutional right to abortion in 2022, Justice Clarence Thomas indicated other settled cases could be up for grabs, including Griswold v. Connecticut which protects contraception access.
The Biden-Harris campaign took notice of Youngkin's veto and issued a statement that reads, in part, "Youngkin is once again following Trump’s lead by vetoing legislation that would protect the right to contraception for Virginians.”
"We're seeing the threat of contraception picking up steam and this threat is very real," Hashmi said.
McClellan, Price and Bury all spoke about personal stories on how contraception was used to protect the health of themselves or a loved one.
"As someone who almost died in childbirth and now is on an IUD, because if I get pregnant, I could die," said McClellan.
A national poll conducted by Americans for Contraception found that 80 percent of voters said that protecting access to contraception was "deeply important" to them.
"The Governor knows that this bill is supported by 8 in 10 people, which is why he tries to talk out of both sides of his mouth and instead of listening to the 8 out of 10, he chose to appease to the ultra-right wing of his political party," said Price.
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Governor Youngkin has said on several occasions that he supports access to contraception. But in a statement explaining his veto, he cites what he views as the bill's disregard for religious freedoms and parental rights as reasons for his rejection.
"Quality health care for women is essential and contraception remains a crucial component of reducing abortions and fostering a culture of life, making Virginia the best place to raise a family. As the issue continues to be deliberated by the legislature, and recognizing the diverse religious, ethical, and moral beliefs of Virginians, any contraception-related changes must be coupled with robust conscience clause protections for providers and also must uphold the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning their children's upbringing and care," he states.
Hashmi said the Governor is making excuses. "There are already protections for those individuals, medical providers for religious exemptions."
Due to a schedule conflict, Gov. Youngkin was unable to interview with 13News Now.