Youngkin again looks to cut assistance for abortions for severe fetal diagnoses

One reproductive rights group called Youngkin’s proposal “unjust” and “shameful.”

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is trying to again block state funding for low-income people seeking abortions when faced with severe fetal diagnoses. 

The proposal is included in the budget amendments Youngkin presented to lawmakers this week and is one Youngkin has pushed for in previous budget debates. 

Currently, Virginia allows Medicaid funding for abortions in the cases of rape, incest, when the life of the pregnant person is at risk, and in cases of incapacitating fetal diagnoses. Youngkin’s budget amendment would strike fetal diagnoses from this list. 

“Governor Youngkin announced significant new maternal health initiatives this week that will continue to promote a culture of life in the Commonwealth including not forcing Virginia taxpayers to subsidize abortions except where it is required by federal law,” Youngkin’s Press Secretary Christian Martinez said in a statement.

There were 28 abortions due to fetal anomalies in fiscal year 2023 for which the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) approved $31,851.11. In fiscal year 2024, VDH approved 33 abortions due to fetal anomalies which cost $61,797.83. Fetal anomalies include diagnoses like anencephaly, a severe birth defect when the fetal brain and skull don’t develop in the uterus as expected. 

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia executive director Jamie Lockhart said in a statement that Youngkin’s proposal is “deeply troubling.” 

“Cutting this funding denies essential, life-saving health care to those who need it most,” Lockhart said. “Governor Youngkin’s actions make it clear: he thinks it’s acceptable for low-income Virginians to be forced to endure pregnancies filled with pain and suffering. This is unjust, and it’s shameful.”

Virginia lawmakers and Youngkin will work on a new state budget over the coming weeks when the General Assembly session begins on Jan. 8. 

In addition to the debate over state funding for abortions due to fetal abnormalities, lawmakers will take up a Democratic proposal to amend the state constitution to defend reproductive freedom. A governor’s approval is not needed for state constitutional amendments.