House subcommittee passes birth control measure

Today, the House Courts of Justice – Constitutional Law subcommittee passed in a bipartisan vote a bill to define “birth control” as contraceptive methods approved by the FDA.

HB 549 says that birth control is not to be considered a form of abortion.

This protection of birth control has been before the General Assembly since 2003. Reporting of HB 549 is a long-awaited bipartisan victory.

“I have been more than a little surprised by the opposition that has existed since 2003 to basic birth control access. Again and again, the simple statement that contraception shall not constitute abortion has been defeated. I am gratified by the long-awaited bipartisan support the bill received today in Subcommittee,” said Delegate Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax.

“Women and men who are able to plan their pregnancies enjoy brighter economic prospects. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue the bipartisan effort to ensure financial and familial stability for all Virginians.”