I am a firm believer in reproductive rights and I will ensure that they are protected in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a mom and stepmom to four daughters, I recognize how important it is for my children to have the same access to healthcare that I did growing up. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned through the Dobbs decision, we have seen countless attacks and anti-abortion legislation put in place in 27 states. I will ensure that Virginia does not become the 28th.
The reality is when we place burdensome laws on healthcare professionals, it causes them to hesitate and put people in imminent danger. We have already seen Virginia republicans, introduce bills, such as the 15 week ban, eliminating families to make a personal decision when they are presented with the horrible reality that their wanted child is not viable and will not survive childbirth. These personal decisions have no business in lawmaking. We also know that 93% of all abortions nationwide, occur by or before 13 weeks, with only 6% occurring between 13 and 20 weeks. So we need to ask ourselves why politicians are trying to legislate for a single percent (1%) after 20 weeks, which is solely for the purpose of fetal abnormalities and/or maternal mortality. Legislators have no business in our doctor’s offices, making our personal decisions, and putting our healthcare providers at legal risk simply for providing us care.
I believe the long-standing law in Virginia which demands healthcare providers respond, quickly and ethically, if a pregnancy is terminated in the 3rd trimester, and to make every attempt and give any and all medical care required to ensure the child lives and thrives. These further arbitrary laws are nothing more than political grandstanding and serve no purpose than to control this deeply personal decision.
