Senator Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk

Welcome back to our new, regular blog series, Virginia Political Pro(choice)files. In this segment, we highlight Virginia’s state politicians who support and fight for women’s reproductive rights while also drawing attention to politicians who are working to undermine the constitutional right to safe and legal abortion. To see how all General Assembly members stacked up in 2011, check out our Legislative Scorecard!

The Political Pro(choice)files: Senator Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk

As a representative for Norfolk in the Virginia General Assembly, Ralph Northam has been an ally of women and a great advocate for comprehensive sexual education throughout his four years in office. He was first elected in 2007 and will be running in a very competitive election this November.

Ralph Northam was one of three Virginia state senators involved in proposing legislation in 2010 to reign in the bad habits of Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Northam, along with Senator Craig Deeds, Senator John Edwards, and Senator Dave Marsden, proposed a bill to regulate Virginia’s Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs)—regulations that would include a notice on the buildings stating that the facilities are not licensed, comprehensive healthcare centers. This bill went on to require that the facility include in the posted notice that it does not perform or refer women for abortions or contraception and that the facility is not required to adhere to confidentiality laws in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

As a pediatric neurologist, Northam knows that providing misleading and inaccurate medical information to women is dangerous and inappropriate. Women need to know that many CPCs have no obligation to respect their privacy.

Senator Northam, along with Delegates Charniele Herring and David Englin, participated in a press conference following the release of our research project exposing CPCs and showed nothing but support for women in need of accurate information in the midst of a difficult decision:

It is extremely important that these young women are able to seek medical advice that is in their best interest of their health … it’s important for women that seek advice from these centers to know what they offer and what they don’t offer and that’s exactly what this bill is intended to do. The bill, I think, will insure that expectant women will receive what I consider factual-based medical information and be able to make decisions that are in the best interest of their health.

The proposed bill also included a section prohibiting any CPC in violation of the prior regulations from receiving any funds derived from the Virginia Choose Life Fund license plates.

Although the bill was passed by indefinitely, it was successful in bringing some much needed attention to the issues surrounding CPCs.

In the last session of the General Assembly, Senator Northam also patroned SB 967, a bill that requires Virginia school districts to teach medically accurate and evidence-based programs that fall under the guidelines of Family Life Education. Although this bill passed in the Senate, it was unfortunately “left to die” in the House Committee on Education.

Clearly, Northam has shown that he is a strong supporter of women’s rights and his medical background gives him a solid perspective in regards to bills that involve women’s health.

Freedom doesn’t come free…

By Leigh

Last week, we saw that, according to a George Mason University Mercatus Center study entitled, “Freedom in the 50 States: An Index of Personal and Economic Freedom,” Virginia is the ninth overall freest state in the nation. Furthermore, it is the fifth in economic freedom and 22^nd in personal freedom.

In the article, “Virginia ranked 9^th in overall freedom,” the Richmond Times-Dispatch states that, “policies were weighted on how much they matter to those affected, and how many people they affect.” But how did the study judge who was affected? According to Kent Willis, executive director of the ACLU of Virginia, the list of “those affected” did not encompass all Virginians. Willis says, “freedom is only meaningful if it applies equally to all, and that’s where Virginia falls short.”

NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia believes there are still many Virginians, especially Virginia women, who are continually experiencing restricted freedom. Governor McDonnell, Lt. Governor Bolling, Attorney General Cuccinelli, and a majority of state legislators are completely anti-choice. Having a choice equates to having freedom; therefore, it makes sense that Virginia is only 22^nd in personal freedom. Governor McDonnell’s administration and their legislative allies have successfully passed numerous laws that prohibit a women’s freedom to full healthcare access.

In the 2010 legislative session, Virginia prohibited public funding for abortion for those women who are eligible for state medical assistance, except if the woman’s life is in danger or in the case of rape or incest. The 2011 session also provided an abundance of proposed anti-choice legislation. Two bills would have limited private insurance plans from providing abortion coverage (with the governor adding a last-minute amendment banning such coverage). Three separate bills would have given constitutional rights to a fetus at all stages of development. Additionally, one proposed bill would have meddled in the doctor-patient relationship by requiring that a pregnant female receive an ultrasound before she has an abortion.

Anti-choice lawmakers also singled out women’s healthcare for new restrictions.

On July 1^st, a bill passed through political maneuvering officially became law. This Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) law states that if a facility performs more than five first-trimester abortions a month it is now considered a hospital. Such regulations are politically-motivated and aim to restrict the freedom of women to comprehensive, reproductive health care.

An opinion piece in The Daily Progress entitled, “Freedom is in the eye of the beholder,” further discussed Virginia’s ranking and highlighted a specific quote from the authors of the study: “In our [the authors of the study] view, individuals should be allowed to dispose of their lives, liberties, and properties as they see fit, as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others.”

Out-of-touch Virginia elected officials continue to infringe on a woman’s right to choose complete, affordable healthcare. Thus, Virginia’s high ranking once again does not extend to Virginia women.

Though people and elected officials may have different ideals about what constitutes freedom, there is no denying that an increase in government regulation reduces an individual’s liberty.

With anti-choice politicians, the freedom of Virginia women is constantly in jeopardy.

Senator Edward Houck

Welcome back to our new, regular blog series, Virginia Political Pro(choice)files. In this segment, we highlight Virginia’s state politicians who support and fight for women’s reproductive rights while also drawing attention to politicians who are working to undermine the constitutional right to safe and legal abortion. To see how all General Assembly members stacked up in 2011, check out our Legislative Scorecard!

Political Pro(Choice)files: Edward Houck

By Brooke

As a politician with more than 25 years in office and with a solid pro-choice voting record, Senator Edward (Edd) Houck is a man who has faced numerous attacks for his commitment to reproductive rights and women’s health.

In February of this year, extremists opposed to a woman’s complete healthcare access even went so far as to accuse Senator Houck of “furthering the sex-slave industry” by a radical anti-choice blog because of his support for Planned Parenthood (which just so happens to provide healthcare and family planning services, often to people who could not afford them otherwise). While the subject of abortion is often inflammatory, Senator Houck has gotten more flack for his standing up for women’s health than many other pro-choiceVirginia legislators due to his position as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Health. With this position, Senator Houck votes on virtually every choice-related bill that is introduced into the state Senate.

In the 2011 session, an admittedly tough year for pro-choice advocates, NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia gave Senator Houck a score of 100 percent for his perfect record of supporting choice. Senator Houck plays a pivotal role in protectingVirginia’s women by leading the Education and Health Committee to defeat restrictive, politically-motivated and dangerous anti-choice bills before they can be taken to a vote by the full Senate.

In 2010, when a bill meant to limit state funding of abortions in facilities receiving state funding was introduced to the Senate, Houck made it clear that he believed it was dangerous to reproductive health. In the midst of the debate, Houck responded to those pushing for passage: “When you try to tease out what [this bill] means, you get to UVA medical system, and that might mean a woman who comes in with medical condition and is pregnant, you would not be able to do an abortion in that regard, possibly putting her at jeopardy.” It is this kind of commitment to women’s health that makes Edd Houck a consistent, committed champion forVirginia women. He looks past misleading arguments made by anti-choice legislators and attempts to protect women’s health.

In the 2011 session, after two Senate Democrats voted with Republicans to pass legislation requiring any facility performing more than five first-trimester abortions per month to live up to the same regulations as hospitals, Houck spoke out publically,  calling it a “terrible tragedy.”

Senator Houck remains a dedicated and tireless champion for women’s continued access to vital healthcare inVirginia.

It is important that we maintain such pro-choice champions in our General Assembly this November, to continue to protect reproductive choice in the Commonwealth.

For more voter information, check out the Virginia State Board of Elections website. Regardless of your residence, all Virginia voters should remember that the statewide general election will be held on November 8^th.

Summer Intern Series Part 2: Sex & Politics in the Capital City

By Brooke

This summer, Advocates for Youth, the Center for Health and Gender Equity, Choice USA and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US (SIECUS), along with partner organizations are holding a series of lunchtime talks for DC-area interns working for organizations with similar goals.

In yesterday’s third segment of Sex & Politics in theCapitalCity, the topic was “Understanding the Attacks on Federally Funded Programs: Discussion on Title X, Medicaid and the Role of Organizations.”

A principal theme of this week’s talk was that there is a national war occurring against women and, more specifically, minority women. The luncheon was led by a panel with representatives from the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, the National Health Law Program, and the DC Abortion Fund.

A lot of our discussion centered on the topic of reproductive healthcare for poverty-stricken minority groups. There was a clear focus on the impact that funding cuts to Title X and Medicaid specifically will have on women’s reproductive health and the perpetuation of poverty amongst minorities.

Because 60 percent of people receiving Medicaid are minorities, these funding cuts are affecting minorities the most. Movements to defund Planned Parenthood and other women’s health centers are also affecting minority women disproportionately because minority women are more likely to use a publically funded facility.

A great point made about these funding cuts to healthcare services is that they have been specifically focused on reproductive healthcare, creating segregation between general healthcare and reproductive healthcare. The problem? Reproductive healthcare is healthcare!

What I really took away from this presentation was how much influence politicians have on our rights. If this worries you too, help us support pro-choice candidates who have women’s reproductive rights in mind.

Summer Intern Series: Sex & Politics in the Capital City

By Brooke

This summer, Advocates for Youth, the Center for Health and Gender Equity, Choice USA and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US (SIECUS), along with partner organizations are holding a series of lunchtime talks for DC-area interns working for organizations with similar goals.

The first in this series of lunches was called, “Reproductive Justice 101 & Effective Reproductive Justice Activism on Campus” and NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia interns Marissa and I were on the scene to find out more.

Representatives from Choice USA led the first segment, in which we discussed the fundamental importance of the term “reproductive justice.” Reproductive justice is more than just the right to choose, it is having the ability to choose without economic, social, racial, or geographic “oppressions.” It also encompasses the universal right of access to accurate and comprehensive sex education.

Next, representatives from The Feminist Majority Foundation gave us some tips on how to further causes related to reproductive justice on campuses. They showed us how a small group can eventually create a larger movement with the right type of strategy. Grassroots activism gives supporters the opportunity to feel a part of the movement and eventually spark change in their communities. At the grassroots level, it’s best to sponsor campus-wide events that could attract people who would not normally come to one of your meetings. This can be done by focusing on a current policy issue or inviting a well-known speaker to lead a discussion on your topic.

NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation has been active on campuses throughout Virginia, raising awareness about the shaming and harassment of crisis pregnancy centers. Our Support Without Shame campaign has been to University of Mary Washington, James Madison University, University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. If you want to help support reproductive justice on your campus, we are looking for leaders in your school community. Please contact Joey for more information on applying.

And if you’re in the Richmond area, be sure to RSVP for our screening of “12^th  & Delaware” this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. on the VCU campus.

Celebrating women, one story at a time…

By Rebecca Lenn, LoYL Board Member

All of us have a story to tell, but rarely are we asked to share it, especially when it’s a story about health, sickness, strength and resilience as women. And when it is told, too often does it fall on deaf ears. That’s why last Thursday’s LUNAFEST event was so unique.

Thanks to the NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation in partnership with the LUNAFEST campaign, forty-four women and men of all ages gathered in Arlington for an evening to celebrate women’s lives and stories – a powerful occasion considering how hard women’s health advocates have fought to keep women’s stories and voices at the fore of the debate on reproductive freedom in Virginia. This was NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation’s fourth annual LUNAFEST event benefiting not only the organization’s research, outreach and education work on reproductive rights, but also the critical work of the Breast Cancer Fund. In her welcoming address, Executive Director Tarina Keene reminded us that as pro-choice advocates we must lift up all women’s health concerns as equally important. Governor McDonnell and anti-choice leaders in Richmond are waging a war on women that isn’t just putting access to safe, legal abortion and birth control at risk. Their efforts are restricting and could shutter health care facilities that provide critical preventive services like breast cancer screenings. Threats to reproductive freedom and preventive care are undoubtedly threats to the whole of women’s freedom. Thursday night’s gathering fully embraced this reality.

Following Tarina’s address, the evening continued with a series of captivating short films by, for and about women. The series was commissioned by LUNAFEST (established in 2000 by LUNA) to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness about women’s issues and support worthy organizations benefiting women throughout the U.S. and Canada, including NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation. From quirky animations about love to moving documentaries about illness and aging, the 10 selected films gave an exceptionally vivid glimpse into the lives of women throughout the world. The audience glimpsed into the life of a woman on the verge of suicide whose motives take a different turn when approached by a caring bystander, the first woman cable car operator in the U.S., a young table tennis champion, a South African teenager who struggles to live and love with AIDS and a ninety-two-year-old woman who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Each film was followed by loud rounds of applause, sighs of relief and/or spirited conversation. Whether it was the pain of loss, the thrill of victory or the struggle of overcoming obstacles, it was clear that the stories of these women resonated with each and everyone one of us.

In addition to the screening, the celebratory evening was abuzz with warm fellowship, laughter, new acquaintances and reflection. Advocates and supporters enjoyed a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception and the opportunity to contribute to NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation and the Breast Cancer Fund in a silent auction featuring great finds from local artisans and businesses.

This was one of many great NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia events this year where pro-choice Virginians could celebrate women’s lives and fight to protect reproductive freedom in our state. I hope you will join NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and its League of Young Leaders (LoYL) for the next event on June 4th where the storytelling and movement-building will continue.

P.S. Be sure to check out pictures of the event.

Only Three Weeks Away from Pro-Choice Lobby Day! (Action Alert)

Next week, the Virginia General Assembly begins what is shaping up to be an extremely challenging legislative session for choice. Anti-choice legislators are already gearing up to launch assaults on abortion access, birth control, and comprehensive sex education that could have devastating effects for the future of reproductive freedom in Virginia!

It is imperative that pro-choice Virginians like us come together and make sure our voices are heard. We must present a united front and let our lawmakers know that women’s rights, privacy and health are not political bargaining chips.

That’s why I hope you’ll join NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia, the Virginia Pro-Choice Coalition, and nearly 500 other citizen-activists from across the state for Pro-Choice Lobby Day in Richmond on January 27!

Register now!

Pro-Choice Lobby Day!
Date: Thursday, January 27, 2011
Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Address: General Assembly
9th Street & Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia

The day will feature amazing pro-choice speakers, break-out sessions, and opportunities to tell your elected officials the importance of protecting reproductive choice in the Commonwealth. Keep checking our website for updates and more details!

Be sure to register online with our pro-choice coalition partners Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia. Don’t want to drive to Lobby Day? We’ll have several buses to bring activists from different parts of the state. You can purchase your bus ticket, which includes the cost of your lunch, when you register. We also have bus ticket subsidies available for those who may not otherwise be able to join us. Check online for more information on buses.

Remember, choice is a fragile liberty we must vehemently protect. I hope you’ll join us to take a stand for your pro-choice values during this crucial legislative session.

Twelve Months

In one year, Virginians will go to the polls for an election that is critical to the future of choice in the Commonwealth.

Last week, we saw how just one election could dramatically decrease the number of pro-choice members of the United States Congress, putting women’s reproductive freedom at risk.

With a serious battle to protect choice looming on the state level in Virginia, it is imperative that we don’t allow the same thing to happen here.  We already face an anti-choice House of Delegates and only a slim mixed-choice advantage in the state Senate – leaving no room for error in next November’s 2011 General Assembly election.

It will be a tough twelve months, but NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia will be working hard all year long to ensure that the voice of pro-choice Virginians like you is heard. The only thing standing in our way is making sure that we’ll have the resources necessary to face an electoral and legislative anti-choice onslaught in 2011.

We know you share our mission. Now, we need your commitment. Will you join in our fight to protect reproductive freedom by becoming a “GEM for Choice”?

By giving every month, you can be sure that NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia has the resources we’ll need to stand up for reproductive rights in the Commonwealth. Your monthly contributions of as little as $10, $15, or $25 can make a huge impact over the course of a year by providing a reliable and cost-effective stream of funding to support our work.

There’s no question that the coming year will bring significant attacks on reproductive choice in Virginia. Even before the election next fall, we know there will be a barrage of anti-choice legislation proposed when the 2011 General Assembly session begins in January. And with the anti-choice team of Governor Bob McDonnell and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli in charge, there’s no telling what other attacks could come on Virginians’ access to abortion, birth control, and comprehensive sex education.

There will be challenges over these next twelve months, but I know that with your support, we can face them head-on and stand up for reproductive freedom. I hope you’ll become a GEM for Choice today – not only will we be assured that we have the resources we need to fight in 2011, but you’ll know that your money is being used every day to protect choice in Virginia.

Please sign up today!

P.S. Even if you can’t commit to being a GEM for Choice monthly donor today, please make a special one-time contribution to support our work as we head into this important General Assembly session in January. Thanks for your support!