Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed a series of bills on Friday, including a focused on protecting access to contraceptives.
“While I look forward to working with the General Assembly to see if we can reach agreement on language in the future, today I must act on the language before me, and there are several bills that are not ready to become law ,” Youngkin said. in a statement shared by his office.
“This includes legislation relating to contraception. Let me be very clear: I support access to contraception. However, we cannot trample on Virginians’ religious freedoms,” she added.
In your veto declarationYoungkin said the legislation created “an overly broad cause of action against political subdivisions and parents, as well as medical professionals acting in accordance with their expert opinion and within their scope of practice.”
“That is the question addressed by the recommendations I sent to the General Assembly,” he wrote. “I will continue to uphold the oath I took to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Companion bills in the House and Senate chambers declare that “a person shall have the right to obtain contraceptives and to engage in contraception” and that the right “shall not be infringed by any law, regulation, or policy that expressly or effectively limits, delays or prevents access to contraceptives or information related to contraception.”
Youngkin, in his rebuke, said contraceptives are already protected by the Constitution. He originally sent back replacement language that would have made access to birth control a policy rather than signing a new law, according to local channel WRC-TV.
However, when state officials let their motion expire, the original bill was sent to their desk.
Despite his veto, Youngkin reiterated his support for contraceptives.
“Quality health care for women is essential and contraception continues to be a crucial component in reducing abortions and promoting a culture of life, making Virginia the best place to raise a family,” Youngkin wrote in the statement.
In response to the veto, the Virginia Democratic Party attacked the governor.
“Governor Youngkin just proved to Virginians that, once again, he does not care about their health or rights,” wrote Susan Swecker, chairwoman of the Virginia Democratic Party, in a press release.
“Contraception is used to treat a wide variety of health conditions, and by choosing not to protect it, Youngkin is harming thousands of people,” she continued. “This comes down to health and freedom, and Youngkin and Republicans continue to carelessly and blatantly disregard both.”
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
