Bill Text: VA SB635 | 2020 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Right to reproductive choice; right to refuse contraception.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 19-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-30 - Stricken at request of patron in Education and Health (15-Y 0-N) [SB635 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-SB635-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 39 of Title 2.2 a section numbered 2.2-3904 as follows:
§2.2-3904. Right to reproductive choice.
A. Every individual has a fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization.
B. A pregnant person has a fundamental right to choose to carry a pregnancy to term, give birth to a child, or terminate a pregnancy.
C. The Commonwealth shall not, in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information, deny or interfere with an individual's fundamental rights, including individuals under state control or supervision, to:
1. Choose or refuse contraception or sterilization; or
2. Choose to carry a pregnancy to term, give birth to a child, or terminate a pregnancy.
D. The Commonwealth shall not discriminate in the protection or enforcement of these fundamental rights on the basis of sex, disability, race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, immigration status, religion, or sexual orientation.
E. Any state or local official who is charged with violating provisions of this section shall be subject to an action in federal or state court for injunctive relief and damages. Such action may be brought by any person or entity that may be aggrieved by such official's actions.