HOT SPRINGS, VA: Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-25th District) issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade:

During Supreme Court confirmation hearings, potential Supreme Court justices, who ended up being confirmed, noted that Roe v. Wade was “settled law,” implying that they would do nothing to overturn it. Those statements are now seen as clearly and plainly false.

The right of any individual to control their own healthcare decisions is essential if we are going to have economic opportunity for all. A woman’s right to make these critical healthcare decisions has long been acknowledged by that settled law, and today’s decision tragically separates women into classes of citizenship by geography. If you live in a state that acknowledges your fundamental rights, you have equal opportunity. If you live in a state that doesn’t acknowledge your fundamental rights, you are essentially a second-class citizen. The decision of today’s Supreme Court is unacceptable.

Women will continue to have access to legal and safe abortion here in Virginia.

Every election is critically important. It is essential that we maintain the Democratic majority in the Senate of Virginia and regain the majority in the House of Delegates so we can protect those rights for all Virginians.”