Virginia Bishops’ Statement on Federal District Court Decision
Virginia Bishops’ Statement on Federal District Court Decision
On May 6, laws enacted by the people of Virginia were undermined, when a U.S. district court decision further advanced the extreme agenda of the abortion industry and placed Virginia’s women at ever greater risk of harm from surgical abortion.
In Falls Church Medical Center v. Oliver, U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson’s decision now allows non-physicians to perform first trimester abortions in Virginia. Judge Hudson’s May 6, 2019 summary judgment opinion goes beyond Roe v. Wade and reveals the extreme measures that are being taken by pro-abortion groups to eliminate even common-sense restrictions on abortion. The case is still in progress, as several other counts that seek to expand “abortion rights” remain undecided. The case will be heard May 20 to decide whether the common-sense health and safety standards the Virginia legislature has enacted to protect pregnant women will stand. This disappointing and legally questionable decision is another example of why we must all remain vigilant and mobilized as the extreme abortion agenda continues to be advanced in Virginia.
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington
Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of Richmond
