REPRO Rising Virginia Rejects Governor Youngkin’s Gutting of Commonsense Birth Control Bills

DATE: March 25, 2025    
Media Contact: Michaela Parris, Communications Director    
Phone: (540) 892-6632    
Email: michaela@reprorisingva.org  

REPRO Rising Virginia Rejects Governor Youngkin’s Gutting of Commonsense Birth Control Bills 

RICHMOND, VA — Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin gutted two critical and  commonsense birth control bills that passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support. These harmful changes undermine access to care and create barriers for  Virginians seeking reproductive health services. REPRO Rising Virginia strongly opposes the undermining of these bills that deny Virginians their right to contraception,  open the door to discrimination, and deny individuals the healthcare they need.

The bills include:

• Contraceptive Equity Act (HB2371 & SB780): Expands contraception access in Virginia health plans for all Virginians.
• Right to Contraception Act (HB1716/SB1105): Protects the fundamental right to contraception.

“These substitutions make it clear that Governor Youngkin is not serious about  protecting our rights or expanding access to reproductive healthcare for Virginians,” said Tarina Keene, Executive Director of REPRO Rising Virginia. “Youngkin’s actions are an affront to the 99% of women who rely on birth control during their reproductive  lifetimes to decide if, when, how and with whom to start or grow their families.  Contraception is a vital resource to Virginia families which the Governor clearly does not  understand or respect.”

“Governor Youngkin’s version of these bills links our rights and access to Griswold v.  Connecticut which legalized birth control use in 1965. Unfortunately, we know the  dangers of relying on court decisions to uphold our rights. Griswold was singled out by  Justice Clarence Thomas in the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 as  an example of another court case that should be reviewed.”

“Furthermore, the Governor added a conscience clause to his substitute which is a  license to discriminate. It allows healthcare providers to deny critical services based on  personal beliefs, putting ideology over patient care and safety. We cannot and will not  support policies that harm Virginians and limit access to essential healthcare.”

REPRO Rising Virginia calls on lawmakers to reject the Governor’s substitutes and  remain steadfast in protecting reproductive freedom for all Virginians. The organization  will continue advocating for policies that prioritize reproductive rights, freedom and  access to the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare.

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