Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Virginia reaction has been swift and strong to the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. One State Senator, Travis Hackworth (R-Richlands) has already said he will introduce a bill that would outlaw it at conception. Governor Glenn Youngkin says he will ask for a ban after 15 weeks.
However, the State Senate is Democratically controlled, and State Senate President Pro Tem Louise Lucas says no bill that would restrict abortion rights will get out of the Senate Health Committee, which she chairs.
Various abortion rights supporters were on hand on Capitol Square Friday afternoon to say that while abortion is still legal in Virginia, the future of the right is still in limbo. Many speakers urged people not only to be angry close to the Supreme Court decision, and remain angry and take that anger to the ballot box.
U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Democrats, say the decision rolls back 50 years of settled law. Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares says "The Supreme Court ruled that the issue of abortion should not be decided by unelected federal judges, but by the people of the States through their elected representatives. Good and reasonable people can disagree on this issue but now Virginians, not federal judges, can decide its future."
Youngkin did sent out another statement regarding security for U.S. Supreme Court justices, three of whom live in Virginia: "While I understand that people across the nation have strong beliefs about this ruling, Virginians must always respect the rule of law and I appeal to their civility on this historic day. Our administration is committed to protecting individuals' constitutional rights and ensuring Virginians are safe. I am in regular contact with the Supreme Court Justices and my administration is in coordination with our mayors, and local and state police to ensure we are ready to take appropriate action if need be. Virginia will not stand for lawlessness or violence."
