by Kiana Warren
Controversies surrounding contraceptives and women’s rights continue to cause political debate.
In February the Virginia Senate killed the state’s personhood bill, which would have granted legal status to unborn children, including embryos, and limited access to birth control and emergency contraceptives. It also would have required women to receive an external sonogram before having an abortion. Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) had indicated that he would sign the bill.
Senator Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) opposed the personhood bill.
“That’s not a decision government should get involved with,” Senator McEachin said.
However, Senator McEachin also said more governmental control on issues like contraceptives and pregnancy is a national trend.
“It’s not just happening here locally. It’s happening in Oklahoma and in many, many states, and if you Google it and click news, you’ll get a lot of interesting articles,” Senator McEachin said.
Oklahoma passed a bill similar to Virginia’s personhood bill. The new bill states that life begins at conception. Opponents said the bill could lead to restrictions on abortions, birth control, in vitro fertilization and stem cell research.
Arizona’s Senate vetoed a recent piece of legislation allowing employers to opt out of covering birth control costs for religious purposes.
Senator McEachin said the topic taps into religious and social values.
“I think anytime we’re dealing with the issue of sex and the issues of birth control, the issues of pro-choice [or] pro-life, I think we touch a cord that brings out a lot of passion,” Senator McEachin said.
Social studies chair Sky Boggs said that issues related to birth control and contraceptives will be an important part of the November presidential election, especially for Republicans.
“It’s a very important issue to them,” Mr. Boggs said. “For them it’s an issue that is magnified more than any other issue.”
Senator McEachin said that a focus on education and abstinence would ultimately do more to combat teen pregnancy than legislation.
“I think what we need to do is concentrate on a lot more education and prevention. Teach our young folks about the values of abstinence and about the values of birth control and make sure they understand the awesome responsibilities of becoming a parent,” Senator McEachin said.
Many localities in Virginia, including Henrico County, have seen a decrease in teen pregnancy in recent years.
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