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2019 SESSION

19104524D
SENATE BILL NO. 1637
Offered January 9, 2019
Prefiled January 9, 2019
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 2.2-3901.1, relating to Virginia Human Rights Act; establishment of right to reproductive choice.
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Patrons-- Boysko, Barker, Deeds, Ebbin, Favola, Howell, Lewis, Locke, Marsden, Mason, McClellan, McPike, Saslaw, Spruill and Surovell
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Referred to Committee on Education and Health
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 2.2-3901.1 as follows:

§ 2.2-3901.1. Right to reproductive choice.

A. Every individual has a fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization.

B. Every individual who becomes pregnant has a fundamental right to choose to carry a pregnancy to term, give birth to a child, or terminate the pregnancy.

C. The Commonwealth shall not, in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information, deny or interfere with an individual's fundamental rights, including individuals under state control or supervision, to:

1. Choose or refuse contraception or sterilization.

2. Choose to carry a pregnancy to term, give birth to a child, or terminate a pregnancy.

D. The Commonwealth shall not discriminate in the protection or enforcement of these fundamental rights on the basis of sex, disability, race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, immigration status, religion, or sexual orientation.

E. The provisions of this section shall be construed to be consistent with the provisions of §§ 18.2-72, 18.2-73, and 18.2-74.