Governor Spanberger Signs Contraception Bills into Law

STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 17, 2026
Contact: Chrisi West, Sr. Communications Manager, cwest@reprorisingva.org

Governor Spanberger signs contraceptive bills into law at the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial in Lorton. (Katie Baker/AFC)

Alexandria, Va – Today, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed the Contraceptive Equity and Right to Contraception Acts into law at the site of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial in Lorton. These pieces of legislation, patroned by Senators Jennifer Carroll Foy and Delegates Marcia Price and Josh Thomas, passed both chambers with bipartisan support before landing on the Governor’s desk earlier this year.

These bills not only ensure the right to birth control in the Commonwealth but also expand accessibility to as many Virginians as possible by requiring coverage by health insurance companies without cost sharing or co-pays, including over-the-counter options such as Opill, Plan B, and condoms.The Contraceptive Equity Act also increases the types of drugs and devices and the medical reasons beyond pregnancy that are covered by insurance.

“After two years of vetoes by Governor Youngkin, it’s fitting that Virginians can finally see their right and access to birth control expanded and protected by our first woman governor,” said Tarina Keene, executive director of REPRO Rising Virginia. “The benefits of these bills could be lifechanging for people who previously couldn’t afford contraception, wanted or needed a different method of birth control, or live in a contraceptive desert. Birth control is a fundamental household issue. It is used by most reproductive-aged people, drives economic mobility, and its popularity transcends political lines. It is essential for ensuring that Virginians can decide if or when to start or grow their families and helps build strong communities. We’re grateful to our bill patrons and all the legislators who voted in favor of the bills for their unwavering support during the General Assembly session and for Governor Spanberger’s support.”

“Today we are taking a step forward, because we know decisions about reproductive care, they are deeply personal, and they belong to the individuals making their own decisions. They do not belong with politicians, not with government officials, and they certainly do not belong to whomever happens to be in the Governor’s office any given year. Now I am truly honored to be the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Virginia and especially the governor who signs these bills into law. But if we’re being honest, this ceremony could’ve happened a couple of years ago. Because when my predecessor vetoed legislation that would’ve ensured access to healthcare over and over, bills with bipartisan support, bills backed by doctors, nurses, and the overwhelming majority of Virginians across the political spectrum, that was denying the will of the people and importantly it was endangering the health of women across our commonwealth,” said Governor Spanberger in her remarks at today’s signing ceremony. 

“Today’s bill signing is an important step toward making reproductive healthcare more accessible and affordable for Virginians,” said Delegate Josh Thomas, House patron of the Contraceptive Equity Act. By ensuring insurance coverage for contraceptives, including over-the-counter options, we are removing unnecessary barriers and giving women greater control over their healthcare decisions. I’m grateful to Governor Spanberger for signing this legislation and reaffirming Virginia’s commitment to protecting reproductive freedom.”

###

REPRO Rising Virginia 501(c4) is one of the leading reproductive rights and freedom organizations in the Commonwealth, and the only reproductive rights organization focused solely on policy and political outcomes in Virginia.

REPRO Rising Virginia is working to ensure that every Virginian has access to the full range of reproductive healthcare and mobilizes its statewide network of more than 50,000 members and activists to educate, advocate, organize, and elect reproductive rights champions and protect and advance reproductive freedom throughout the Commonwealth.