As anti-choice supporters rally in opposition to sexual and reproductive health care, reproductive health, rights and justice organizations stand in solidarity with one another.
Richmond, Virginia—As a vocal gang of anti-family zealots descend upon Capitol Square in Richmond today, here’s your reminder that 79% of Virginians support abortion access. Abortion is health care, and every single person, regardless of their zip code, race, immigration status, income level, or gender identity, who decides to have an abortion should have access to compassionate, affordable health care.
“Despite what a small group of people would have you think, people in our community overwhelmingly support access to abortion. Virginians want people who have decided to have an abortion to be able to access safe, compassionate, affordable health care, whenever they need it,” Ashleigh Crocker, Communications Director at Progress Virginia said. “That’s why we continue to work to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act which would ensure that everyone, regardless of what kind of insurance they have, immigration status, or gender identity, can access the full range of reproductive health services. We’ll keep working until that is a reality for all of us, no exceptions.”
“Last night, on the eve of the start of early voting, Virginians watched the first gubernatorial debate between former Governor Terry McAuliffe and Glenn Youngkin. A significant portion was dedicated to discussing reproductive health care, laying bare how critically important access to safe, legal abortion is to Virginia voters. Abortion is time-sensitive, essential health care,” said Jamie Lockhart, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia. “One in four people of reproductive age who can get pregnant will have an abortion in their lifetime. People who have abortions deserve our compassion, and to have access to the best health care available — not to be stigmatized or villainized. Anti-abortion groups and politicians have tried to restrict access to abortion using medically unnecessary restrictions meant to shame and coerce people. We should be working to expand access to health care, not take health care away. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia will not stop fighting until patients get the care they need free of stigma, no matter what.”
“It’s very clear – Virginians want their reproductive healthcare decisions respected and their rights protected. Abortion is healthcare and pregant people should not be shamed or stigmized for making decisions that are best for themselves and their families, stated NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Executive Director Tarina Keene. “This is a pivotal moment for our movement, our country and our commonwealth. Our freedom and our values are being challenged and people’s lives are at risk. Everyday we must stand up and fight back against a system that is threatening and harming people who can become pregnant and stripping them of their bodily autonomy. That is why the decisions Virginans make this November are so important to the future of abortion access and bodily autonomy. Virginia must be a safe haven for people seeking safe, legal abortion care. We need to elect candidates that represent and will fight for our values and principles and protect and expand our reproductive freedoms and hold those accountable who won’t. NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia will work every day through November 2nd to make sure that happens.”
“Access to quality, compassionate abortion care makes communities stronger and healthier,” shared Jesse Torrey, Managing Director of Whole Woman’s Health Alliance. “While anti-abortion extremists and politicians will go to great lengths in their attempts to ban abortion, they do not represent most Virginians. Virginia has made great progress in reproductive freedom, particularly as restrictions and attacks increase in many parts of the country. But there is still more work to be done at the state and federal level. Whole Woman’s Health Alliance is committed to providing abortion care to those who need it and reducing shame and stigma throughout the Commonwealth. Abortion is a moral and social good and we will continue fighting to ensure access to this integral part of women’s reproductive health care.”