Democratic win in Virginia complicates path for Youngkin’s 15-week abortion bill
Abigail Adcox
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A win for Democrats in a special election for a state Senate seat in Virginia has complicated Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) and GOP lawmakers’ efforts to ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Aaron Rouse, a former NFL player and member of the Virginia Beach City Council, flipped a GOP seat that was vacated by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), handing Democrats what is expected to be a crucial vote that could defeat a newly introduced 15-week abortion bill.
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Rouse’s win will widen Democrats’ razor-thin majority to 22-18 in the state Senate, though state Sen. Joseph Morrissey (D) has indicated he would be open to abortion restrictions.
If state Sen. Jennifer McClellan (D) is elected to fill the seat left vacant after the death of Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA) next month, it would further narrow Democrats’ margin, potentially putting Rouse, who had campaigned on protecting abortion access, as a pivotal vote against abortion restrictions.
“I’ll always defend women’s repro-rights, support public education, and build an economy for everyone,” Rouse tweeted Wednesday.
The race was viewed as a proxy fight over abortion rights in the state, garnering attention from national abortion groups. Planned Parenthood contributed almost $100,000 to help Rouse snag the seat, while SBA Pro-Life America put forward $30,000 for mailers and digital ads in support of GOP candidate Kevin Adams, per Politico.
State Del. Kathy Byron (R) and state Sen. Stephen Newman (R) introduced companion legislation earlier this week that would ban abortion after 15 weeks with exceptions for rape, incest, and when the mother’s life is in danger, months after Youngkin tapped the two to work on an abortion bill. Health providers that violate the law could be charged with a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
“When it comes to unborn children, we can come together. We can choose life and choose to support mothers, fathers, and families in difficult decisions,” Youngkin said in his State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday. “It is clear Virginians want fewer abortions, not more.”
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Abortion is currently legal in Virginia up through the second trimester, typically around 27 weeks, and into the third if three doctors conclude the mother’s life is at risk.