Richmond legislation ensures right to birth control in Virginia as neighboring Southern states consider restrictions.
By Marcus Webb | The Commonwealth Wire
RICHMOND — Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation Wednesday guaranteeing Virginians’ right to access contraception, fulfilling a campaign promise after the bill faced vetoes under her predecessor.
The Democratic governor approved the measure at the state Capitol, marking a reversal from previous legislative sessions when similar bills passed the General Assembly only to be rejected by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
“After championing this legislation during my years in the Senate and watching it vetoed by Glenn Youngkin, I am pleased to sign this important protection into law,” Spanberger said in a statement.
The new law codifies access to contraceptive methods including birth control pills, intrauterine devices, condoms and emergency contraceptives. It prohibits Virginia state and local governments from restricting, interfering with or discriminating against individuals seeking contraception.
The legislation gained renewed urgency as several Southern states have begun examining restrictions on abortion pill manufacturers and considering broader reproductive health limitations. Virginia’s action creates a legal firewall against potential future restrictions on contraceptive access.
Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Woodbridge, who sponsored the House version, said the measure provides certainty for Virginia families. “This ensures that deeply personal healthcare decisions remain between patients and their doctors,” Carroll Foy said.
Republican lawmakers largely opposed the bill, arguing existing federal and state protections already safeguard contraception access. Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham, called the legislation “unnecessary” during floor debate.
The Guttmacher Institute, which tracks reproductive health policy, reports that 15 states have enacted similar contraceptive access protections since 2022.
Virginia’s healthcare providers expressed support for the new protections. Dr. Sarah Mitchell, president of the Virginia Medical Society, said the law “removes potential barriers that could interfere with routine healthcare.”
The legislation takes effect July 1, applying to all contraceptive services provided by healthcare facilities, pharmacies and clinics across Virginia’s 95 counties and 38 independent cities.
Spanberger’s signature represents her first major legislative accomplishment since taking office in January, following her victory over Republican opponent Jason Miyares in November’s gubernatorial election.
The governor previously served in the Virginia Senate representing portions of Henrico and Hanover counties, where she consistently advocated for reproductive health protections.
Virginia joins states including California, Connecticut and Illinois in explicitly protecting contraception access through state law, creating a patchwork of protections as federal policy remains uncertain.
Key Facts
- Gov. Spanberger signed legislation Wednesday guaranteeing Virginians’ right to access contraception
- Similar bills passed the General Assembly under Gov. Youngkin but were vetoed
- The law prohibits state and local governments from restricting contraceptive access
- Legislation takes effect July 1 across all Virginia counties and cities
- Virginia joins 15 other states with explicit contraceptive access protections
