RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Senate has moved forward with a proposal to enshrine the right to contraception in state law for the second consecutive year, passing the bill along party lines. The legislation seeks to ensure that no state or local law, rule, or regulation restricts access to contraceptives.
The bill, introduced by State Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D-Richmond), aims to protect a broad range of contraceptive methods, including birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and emergency contraception. Hashmi emphasized the importance of contraception for individuals’ health and daily functioning, particularly for those who rely on contraceptive medication for essential healthcare.
“The majority of individuals who use contraception, particularly contraceptive medication, use it for essential healthcare to ensure that they are able to function on a daily basis,” Hashmi stated on the Senate floor.
The proposal comes in response to concerns raised by some members of the U.S. Supreme Court, notably Justice Clarence Thomas, who has suggested revisiting previous decisions, including the landmark Griswold v. Connecticut ruling of 1965 that established a constitutional right to contraception. The bill’s supporters argue that such uncertainty at the federal level makes it critical for states like Virginia to secure contraception access in their own laws.
“I’m introducing this bill to safeguard what is clearly a fundamental healthcare right, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s shifting stance on issues of personal liberty,” Hashmi said.
However, the measure has faced strong opposition from Republicans. All 18 Republicans present in the Senate voted against the bill, citing concerns about the potential for legal overreach. Senator David Suetterlein (R-Roanoke) voiced concerns that the bill could create new avenues for lawsuits, allowing individuals to take legal action against those who might restrict access to contraception.
“It creates a whole new right to sue,” Suetterlein said. “That’s not actually what we are trying to do on contraceptives.”
Republican lawmakers also raised questions about the bill’s scope, particularly regarding whether it would extend protections to abortion pills sent by mail. Hashmi clarified that the bill does not address or protect access to abortion medication.
Despite the partisan divide, supporters of the bill argue that it is essential to protect access to contraception amid ongoing debates over reproductive rights at the national level. With the future of federal reproductive rights in question, the legislation reflects broader efforts to ensure that Virginians have reliable access to contraceptive care.
The bill will now move forward for further consideration, with the potential for future debates and amendments before it reaches the governor’s desk.
