Gov. McAuliffe Will Veto Bill Defunding Planned Parenthood in Virginia: Report

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe will veto a bill aimed at defunding Planned Parenthood, his spokesman told Charlottesville TV station NBC-29 in Richmond Tuesday.

The Virginia State Senate approved HB 2264 to defund Planned Parenthood. Tuesday’s 20-19 vote sends the bill to the Governor, who vetoed similar legislation last year.

“It seems that not a day goes by here in Richmond without more attacks on women's reproductive healthcare. Yesterday, politicians and special interest groups argued that certain forms of contraception cause abortions," said Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam.

“Planned Parenthood health centers provide vital medical services to communities across the Commonwealth, including cancer and STI screenings," said Northam. "In some communities, the PlannedParenthood health center is the only affordable medical provider. I will continue to stand against any attempt to restrict a woman’s access to the healthcare she deserves.”

The Governor announced his intention to veto any bill that defunds Planned Parenthood, in a tweet he pinned to his account last Wednesday, after the Virginia House passed similar legislation.

PHOTO of Gov. Terry McAuliffe/official Governor's Office photo