CV NEWS FEED // The Virginia Catholic Conference is calling for state residents to urge Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin to veto two measures related to contraception access.
The first measure, SB 237/HB 609, guarantees every person’s right to obtain and use contraceptives. No mention is made of age requirements to access contraceptives, meaning that a minor could have the legal right to obtain them.
The legislation also requires healthcare providers to prescribe contraceptives to anyone who asks for them. No mention is made of exceptions for faith-based healthcare providers that morally cannot prescribe contraceptives.
The Conference’s Action Center pointed out that the bill not only violates religious liberty but also undercuts parental authority by providing minors with contraceptives.
The second measure, SB 238/HB 819, would require health insurance plans to cover contraceptives, but once more lacks any exemptions for faith-based organizations.
According to the Conference, Youngkin had proposed an amendment to exempt organizations whose faith-based or ethical beliefs were violated by the measure, but the amendment failed in the General Assembly.
Both measures have passed the state House and Senate and are awaiting Youngkin’s signature or veto until May 17.
