Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has vetoed two bills expanding access to abortion pills and contraceptives while approving legislation to study embryo banking, highlighting the state’s ongoing reproductive rights battle.
Quick Takes
- Governor Youngkin vetoed the Virginia Right to Contraception Act for the second consecutive year, citing lack of religious freedom protections
- The governor also rejected legislation mandating insurance coverage for abortifacient contraceptives
- Youngkin approved a study on embryo banking that could expand IVF practices
- Virginia has seen a 5,500-case increase in abortions as women travel from pro-life states
- The vetoes represent part of broader Republican efforts to establish religious exemptions in reproductive health policies
Vetoes Target Contraception and Abortion Medication
Governor Glenn Youngkin has taken decisive action on several reproductive health bills, vetoing two while signing another into law. The Republican governor rejected HB1716, which would have established a general right to contraception, and HB2371, which sought to mandate health insurance coverage for various contraceptives including those considered abortifacients by pro-life advocates. Youngkin’s decision marks the second straight year he has vetoed legislation attempting to codify contraception rights in Virginia law.
In explaining his position, Youngkin maintained that contraception access remains protected under the Constitution, making the legislation unnecessary in its current form. “There is no question that access is protected today under the Constitution… Thus, this legislation is unnecessary in its current form,” Youngkin stated.
“The General Assembly refused to adopt my reasonable amendments which included the addition of a conscience clause exemption that would protect religious freedom … any legislative action on contraception must be coupled with clear conscience protections and must preserve the rights of families to make personal decisions in accordance with their beliefs,” Youngkin explained.
Religious Freedom at Center of Debate
The governor’s primary objection centered on what he described as inadequate protections for religious and conscience objections. HB1716 would have established contraception access even for minors without parental consent, while HB2371 lacked exemptions for religious organizations that oppose certain contraceptives on moral grounds. These concerns reflect President Trump’s administration’s broader focus on protecting religious liberties in healthcare settings.
Critics of the veto have portrayed it as part of a larger movement against reproductive rights following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. State Senator Lamont Bagby condemned the governor’s action, claiming it “was a commonsense bill to safeguard a basic freedom, one that shouldn’t be up for debate in the first place.” The disagreement highlights the growing political divide over reproductive health issues that continues to define state policies across the country.
Embryo Banking Study Approved
While vetoing the contraception bills, Youngkin did sign HB1609 into law, authorizing a study on embryo banking and potentially classifying related services as “essential health benefits.” This move could eventually expand access to IVF treatments in Virginia, although pro-life advocates have expressed concerns about procedures that may result in embryo destruction. The study represents a more moderate approach to fertility treatments compared to stricter measures in some other Republican-led states.
Virginia has become a focal point in the national abortion debate, with the Guttmacher Institute reporting a 5,500-case increase in abortions performed in the state between 2023 and 2024. This surge largely stems from women traveling from neighboring states with stronger pro-life protections. The abortion industry has strategically established facilities near state borders to facilitate this cross-state traffic, presenting ongoing challenges for pro-life advocates.
Future Outlook for Virginia
The legislative battles in Virginia reflect broader national tensions over reproductive rights. While neighboring Tennessee recently passed bipartisan legislation protecting contraception access, Virginia’s approach under Youngkin has prioritized religious liberty concerns. Pro-life advocates face significant challenges in the state, particularly with the possibility of increased pro-abortion legislation after Youngkin’s term concludes.
President Trump’s administration has signaled support for both religious freedom protections and plans to redirect family planning funding away from abortion providers toward pregnancy resource centers. These federal priorities align with Youngkin’s approach, suggesting continued tension between reproductive rights advocates and those seeking stronger conscience protections in Virginia and nationwide.
Sources:
- GOP Governor Vetoes Right to Contraception… for a 2nd Time
- Right-to-contraception bills highlight key reproductive health care debate in this year’s elections • Virginia Mercury
- Virginia Gov. Youngkin vetoes 2 bills to promote abortion pills, signs 1 to study ’embryo banking’
