RELEASE: Virginia GOP Gov. Youngkin Egregiously Vetoes Virginians’ Right to Contraception

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The next Republican attack on our fundamental freedoms is birth control

WASHINGTON — Virginia Governor Youngkin blocked Democratic progress and dealt a blow to reproductive freedom in Virginia when he vetoed crucial bills to secure the right to contraception. The Democratic-led bills would have protected access to contraception and created a cause of action against anyone who infringes on the right, only to be stopped by Glenn Youngkin, who once again showed his true MAGA colors. 

Undermining access to reproductive freedom has been a mainstay for Gov. Youngkin, who spent the 2023 election promising an unpopular 15-week abortion ban before he lost control of the legislature. Voters delivered a clear mandate for progress when they elected Democratic majorities in the Virginia House and Senate. Elections have consequences: Democratic victory ensured that instead of a GOP abortion ban, protections for contraception were a priority, but Gov. Youngkin continues to stand in the way of progress. The DLCC will continue to shine a light on the progress of Democrats in the legislature to move Virginia forward and the dangers of Youngkin’s obstruction.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee National Press Secretary Sam Paisley issued the following statement:

“Gov. Youngkin’s vetoes are a betrayal to Virginia voters who made clear they want reproductive freedoms protected by electing Democratic legislative majorities. Virginia Democrats consistently protect and expand reproductive rights, which is why they pushed this landmark legislation to enshrine the right to contraception. Progress in Virginia has been blocked by Gov. Youngkin, who has demonstrated blatant disregard for the will of the people with sweeping vetoes of legislation that would have promoted the health and safety of Virginians. Elections have very real consequences. The DLCC remains committed to sounding the alarm on Republican obstruction and extremism as we work to elect Democratic champions of reproductive freedom who push for progress.”

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the official Democratic Party committee dedicated to winning America’s state legislatures and building state infrastructure. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.

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