Virginia House Bill HB1395

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/30/22
• Refer: 11/30/22

Caption

Rights beginning at conception; definitions, etc.

Impact

If enacted, HB1395 will significantly adjust existing statutes related to reproductive rights and medical assistance within the state. Local healthcare service providers and policymakers must adapt practices to comply with the legal definition of personhood established by this bill. Additionally, this bill could lead to potential changes in funding mechanisms for reproductive health services, particularly those related to family planning and abortion, creating far-reaching implications for those relying on state-supported medical assistance.

Summary

House Bill 1395 aims to establish and define rights beginning at conception. The bill emphasizes the stance that life begins at conception and seeks to ensure legal protections for unborn children, including those lost to stillbirth. The provisions also outline the scope of medical assistance that should be applicable to pregnant women and topics surrounding abortion procedures. By framing the legal status of unborn children, the bill intends to affect various state laws regarding reproductive health and rights.

Contention

The bill has raised considerable debate among lawmakers and the public. Advocates argue that recognizing life at conception is vital for protecting unborn children, while critics view the bill as a strategy to limit reproductive rights and access to safe medical options for women. Key points of contention include concerns over how this bill could restrict existing abortion laws and affect funding for related healthcare services. Opponents emphasize that the bill could infringe on women's health choices and medical privacy.