Virginia General Assembly Passes Pro-Life Health Care Amendment

Abortion regulation legislation has been on the top of the list for Virginia legislators this year, and Governor Bob McDonnell in many ways has led the pro-life charge. He added one more amendment on the reconvened session’s agenda yesterday, after his proposal for abstinence funding in education was narrowly passed. The Governor’s amendment to HB 2434, an amendment to restrict Virginia’s health insurance exchanges from funding abortions except in the cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother, overcame its last hurdle prior to passage. Late last night the House passed the amendment with overwhelming support and a few hours later, the Senate followed suit, despite much slimmer margins.

This vote has protected Virginian women, children and taxpayers, and marked Virginia as a Commonwealth of action toward strong families. Family restoration is strengthened by pro-life abortion policy like this.

This Virginia Family Foundation attributes this overwhelming and unexpected victory to God alone, whose wisdom was sought by thousands of Virginians in prayer at the Capitol yesterday.

Read their alert below for more details.

Victoria Cobb, President
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Action Alert: General Assembly Passes Pro-Life Amendment

Nearing 10pm tonight, the Governor’s amendment to HB 2434, an amendment to restrict Virginia’s health insurance exchanges from funding abortions except in the cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother, overcame its last hurdle prior to passage. The House passed the amendment with overwhelming support and a few hours later, the Senate followed suit, despite much slimmer margins. This overwhelming and unexpected victory came from God alone!

God’s mercy shone through today from start to finish. The day began with the first ever meeting of the Virginia Legislative Prayer Caucus where over 500 Virginians gathered to plead for God to shower His blessings on our Commonwealth. Tonight’s victories proved that but for God, these successes would have been unthinkable. As the Governor reminded us this morning, Matthew 19:26 says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Family Foundation lobbyists hit the ground running early this morning, going door to door to sure up votes and to answer any final questions legislators may have had. This morning’s efforts came on the heels of several full days spent educating legislators on this important vote. Though some had significant reservations, a victory was secured.

In both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly, it seemed almost every procedural move in the book was on display this afternoon and evening. House members yielded their time from member to member in an attempt to control the discussion. One Senator challenged the germaneness of the Governor’s amendment. The Lieutenant Governor ruled it germane and his ruling was sustained by the Senate with a narrow 21-19 vote.

After some debate, the Senate vote resulted in a 20-20 tie with Lieutenant Governor Bolling casting the tie-breaking vote. Senators Chuck Colgan (D-29, Manassas) and Phil Puckett (D-38, Tazewell) joined all 18 Republicans to pass this pro-life amendment.

Exceptions can be abused; therefore The Family Foundation always works toward the strongest language possible. While we would have loved to pass an amendment with fewer exceptions, this was the best (due to the make up of the Virginia Senate) that could have emerged to stop taxpayer funding of elective abortion.

The Family Foundation gives its overwhelming appreciation to Governor McDonnell, Lieutenant Governor Bolling, and all 20 Senators who voted for this pro-life amendment. Additionally, thanks to all who contacted their senator to urge support.

This is an important step in bringing pro-life values to the Commonwealth of Virginia.