The primary loss of an anti-abortion Virginia Democrat, state Sen. Joe Morrissey, could hamper Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R-VA) goal of a 15-week abortion ban in the Old Dominion.
Morrissey, the incumbent, lost his primary bid on Tuesday for the upper chamber of the Virginia legislature in a race that his opponent, Delegate Lashrecse Aird, made almost entirely about the abortion debate in the greater Richmond-area district.
FOOD STAMPS: ONE BILL COULD GIVE BILLIONS TO SNAP PROGRAM
A Catholic, Morrissey has expressed his personal views against abortion but also said he recognizes the need for political compromise on the issue, especially in a swing state like Virginia.
“I am a moderate who tries to bring consensus to this,” Morrissy said in a 2022 interview with the Virginia Mercury. “I believe the woman’s decision should be made after consulting with her doctor, her partner, and perhaps her spiritual adviser.”
Morrissey also previously voiced support for a 15-week ban on abortion or a different medical standard by which to establish restrictions, such as the ability of the fetus to feel pain.
Increasing limitations on abortion has been a central feature of Youngkin’s governorship.
Democrats in the Virginia Senate blocked a Youngkin-backed 15-week abortion ban while in committee, but the governor said last month that he remains hopeful the legislation will eventually become law.
Although it is unclear how redistricting for the Virginia legislature will affect the outcome of the general election in November, some analysts project a very narrow margin in both the state Senate and the House of Delegates, making passing controversial partisan legislation challenging.
Virginia is currently the most permissive state in the South for abortion access, with the procedure allowed up to 26 weeks of pregnancy, making the state a likely destination for increasing abortion tourism.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
North Carolina’s 12-week abortion limitation is slated to take effect on July 1 after the state legislature overrode Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D-NC) veto. Similarly, an emergency injunction on South Carolina’s six-week abortion ban was issued less than 24 hours after Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) signed the legislation, and oral arguments for a permanent injunction will be heard on June 27.
Abortion is completely banned in the neighboring states of Tennessee and West Virginia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated in 2020 that 6.8% of the over 15,000 abortions in Virginia were provided to out-of-state residents.
