Potential Impact of a Republican Win in Virginia on Abortion Laws in Southern States
Virginia stands as the sole Southern state that has yet to restrict or ban abortions, but with a potential Republican win, the threat looms large A victory in Virginia could set a dangerous precedent, paving the way for abortion restrictions to spread throughout the entire region
All Southern states, except Virginia, have implemented restrictions or prohibitions on abortions in the 16 months following the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade. The upcoming state legislative elections in Virginia on Tuesday will determine the party that gains control over the currently divided legislature. Should the Republicans secure complete control, it would enable Governor Glenn Youngkin to advance a conservative agenda, which includes imposing additional limitations on abortion.
Youngkin has expressed his support for a bill that would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks, making exceptions for cases of rape, incest, and when the mother's life is at risk. However, this proposed restriction was rejected earlier this year by the Democratic majority in Virginia's state senate.
If abortion is outlawed at 15 weeks or earlier, individuals residing in southern states would be forced to travel even farther to seek the procedure. Furthermore, if such bans or restrictions were implemented across all southern states, it would result in denying or limiting access to over 110 million Americans, which accounts for one third of the entire country's population. Additionally, seven out of the ten fastest-growing cities would be affected. It's important to note that while CNN defines southern states as those that seceded during the Civil War, this is not the definition used by the US Census.
Ads from the Youngkins Spirit of Virginia PAC have strategically avoided the use of explicit language regarding the prohibition of abortion.
In one Youngkin advertisement, a woman asserts, "Let me clarify the situation: There is no outright prohibition. Virginia Republicans advocate for a moderate 15-week restriction."
Abortion is currently lawful in the state until the second trimester, specifically up to 26 weeks, with only rare exceptions permitted in the third trimester. However, if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned or if there is no clear protection provided by state legislation, Republican policies could potentially curtail or restrict access to the procedure.
In the year 2021, Republicans emerged victorious in the governor and attorney general races, securing a narrow 52-48 majority in the House of Delegates. Meanwhile, Democrats, who previously held control over both the legislature and governorship, were left with a majority of 22-17 in the State Senate.
