Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jan 22, 2021 / 13:30 pm
Virginia bishops opposed a bill allowing for taxpayer-funded abortion coverage that passed the state senate on Friday.
The bill, SB 1276, would permit abortion coverage for any reason in health insurance plans on Virginia's taxpayer-funded health exchange. The bill was introduced on Jan. 12 and cleared a senate committee on Mon., January 18.
On Friday afternoon, the Senate approved the bill by a 20-17 vote along party lines-on the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington and Bishop Barry Knestout of Richmond stated their "deep disappointment" with the vote.