The board typically does not have oversight authority over health care providers, including those who perform abortions, but Republican and Democratic lawmakers have occasionally ceded influence over abortion procedures to the commission. The General Assembly passed a bill in 2011 directing the board to step in to regulate abortion, requiring the board to impose severe restrictions on clinics, for example, a move that led to tense protests.
Yonkin called for a 15-week ban with exceptions for rape, incest and maternal life, and described the position as a compromise that would appeal to moderates in both parties.Virginia is the only Southern state that has not tightened restrictions on the process since the Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade In 2022.
Democratic lawmakers quickly sought to use Vega's appointment to stir up debate about this unique issue in American life and politics. The topic helped flip the House majority last fall and protect control of the Senate.
“If given the opportunity to do something more expansive or more restrictive, they will choose the more restrictive option at every opportunity,” said Democratic Rep. Marcus B. Simon (D-Fairfax). said about the Youngkin administration.
Democratic lawmakers pointed to a video first reported by Axios during the 2022 campaign against Democratic U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, in which she questioned whether a woman could become pregnant through rape. It was something he seemed to agree with the speaker.
Vega said in an interview this week that she opposes abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk.
“As a woman and a mother of two, I fully understand the process of conceiving a precious child. And I have no doubt that rape victims can become pregnant.” she said, adding that partially The audio clip did not capture the full context of the exchange.
recording Vega, a two-term Prince William County supervisor, is notorious among Democrats who have raised objections to her appointment to the health commission and said they will strip her of her post during next year's legislative session, which considers gubernatorial appointments. Threatened me.
The appointment came a week after lawmakers adjourned Congress in Richmond and the General Assembly passed a bill protecting access to abortion.
“He waited until a time when it could be months before our review. Every time he makes a move like this, we will hold him accountable for his policies,” L. Louise said.・Senator Lucas (D-Portsmouth) said in a message from X., Previously on Twitter.
Through a spokesperson, Yonkin declined to say whether he would seek to limit abortion access by board appointees, instead praising Vega's experience in government and law enforcement. She is a former police officer and currently volunteers as a deputy sheriff.
“Given the growth of the Prince William region and her experience as a first responder and county supervisor, the Governor believes that Yesli Vega will bring valuable knowledge and perspective to the Virginia Department of Health and the commonwealth. '' said Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay. Porter said in a statement.
She will fill the seat on the Board of Health that had been reserved for a local elected official, which was left vacant when Republican Pat O'Bannon resigned from the Henrico County Board of Supervisors last year. Most seats on the board represent parts of the healthcare industry, such as nurses or hospitals, but those appointed to local government seats are not required to have medical expertise.
The first Hispanic woman to serve as supervisor in an increasingly diverse county, Vega brings to the board the expertise she gained while governing through a pandemic, and will help underserved communities. He said he wants to help ensure society has access to care. She said her county, like other local governments, also offered coronavirus vaccines to those who wanted them through mobile clinics.
While public health became politicized on a national scale during the worst of the pandemic, health boards have been embroiled in political conflicts over abortion for years, particularly in the 2010s.
In early 2011, the Republican majority in the Legislature passed a law that would classify facilities that perform five or more abortions a month as hospitals, and impose strict requirements on hallway widths, parking spaces, etc., under then-Governor Bob McDonnell (R). ) approved.
Initially, the Board of Health in charge of implementing the changes resolved to exempt existing clinics. But the board quickly reversed its stance after then-Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said his office would not defend the board if its members were sued for procedural failures. McDonnell he certified this regulation at the end of 2012.
In 2015, the Board of Health, then controlled by appointees of Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe, rescinded hospital-style building codes for abortion clinics. And in 2020, Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam signed a bill lifting restrictions on abortion procedures, including requiring women to undergo an ultrasound and wait 24 hours before having an abortion.
Virginia law allows abortions up to the second trimester (approximately 26 weeks) and in the third trimester if three doctors agree that it is necessary.
