In Henrico County Court, Another Shameful Attempt to Control Women’s Bodies

Advocates and women affected by sham restrictions against abortion providers rallied outside the Henrico County courthouse on Friday to show support for women’s healthcare.

Why? Because the notoriously anti-woman, anti-healthcare Family Foundation filed a lawsuit against the McAuliffe administration in a desperate attempt to prevent women from accessing the healthcare they so desperately need. The hearing was the first step in what will likely be a long, drawn out case regarding last October’s repeal of the targeted restrictions against abortion providers (TRAP).

Women and families in our communities should have equal opportunity to work hard and thrive. But that becomes impossible when they can’t access the health care they need or are prevented from making decisions about when and how to have a family. The latest tactic of abortion opponents—medically unnecessary restrictions like mandating a certain number of water fountains and parking spaces—do nothing to protect the health and safety of women. In fact, they are designed specifically to shut down women’s health clinics and are a violation of our constitutional right to access safe and legal abortion.

Though the judge did not make a decision this morning, we will have a written opinion within the next two weeks on whether the case will continue. We are hopeful that the judge will fall in line with the recent Supreme Court decision, Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt and rule in our favor.

Please share this post to let women in Virginia know that the fight for women’s healthcare and the right to make decisions about when and how to have a family isn’t over.