The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade today (Friday) in a landmark decision that will effectively ban abortion in more than a dozen states.
While Virginia is not a state with any “trigger laws” that go into effect as a result of the decision, Alexandria has seen its share of back and forth over abortion. In March, the City Council withdrew a proclamation recognizing abortion providers, a decision some on the City Council said they later regretted. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has also expressed support for banning most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Alexandria’s Commission for Women recently called on Mayor Justin Wilson and the City Council to affirm support for abortion access.
In advance of SCOTUS decision on Dobbs, the #Alexandria Commission for Women has called on Mayor Wilson and City Council to affirm — once and for all — that our city supports #abortion access. I am honored to have a voice on this Commission. #BansOffOurBodies pic.twitter.com/x1VBPyDVuK
— Emily Eckert (@emilyanneck) June 23, 2022
Wilson said he was dismayed by the decision and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to providing access to abortion services.
“A dismaying decision by an activist court seeking to undo a century of progress,” Wilson said. “We will do everything we can locally to ensure that we protect access to abortion services in Alexandria.”
Wilson noted that promoting access to abortion has been an annual part of the city’s legislative package and has worked on the issue with state and federal representatives. Responses also came in from some of those representatives expressing frustration with the decision.
I am angry and heartbroken. Everyone should have the power to control their own bodies, lives, and futures. Abortion is legal in Virginia, but the future of abortion rights here is hanging by a thread. Do whatever you need to rest and prepare; we’re going to fight this together. https://t.co/gAsnlZWBMI
— Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (@EBPforVA) June 24, 2022
My thoughts on the threat posed by the overturn of Roe v. Wade this morning pic.twitter.com/1gQmkm4jdB
— Adam Ebbin 🇺🇦 (@AdamEbbin) June 24, 2022
Thinking about the many times Justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett assured the Senate Judiciary Committee and the American people that Roe v. Wade was “established precedent.” I didn’t believe them, but they said it under oath.
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) May 3, 2022
Annetta Catchings, acting chair of the Alexandria GOP, shared support for the decision.
🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾
The Constitution Wins 🇺🇸— Annetta Catchings for Alexandria (@annetta_of) June 24, 2022
Others around Alexandria’s Twittersphere expressed general dismay.
https://twitter.com/AmyJacksonVA/status/1540347793071636480
https://twitter.com/beckyhammer/status/1540333393262612480
https://twitter.com/AlexandriaVAMom/status/1540344922917724160
