Northam Vs. Gillespie: Where Candidates Stand On Health Care

With just two weeks left until election day, Democratic candidate Ralph Northam and Republican candidate Ed Gillespie continue to battle it out in the final days of the Virginia governor's race. But where do they stand on the issues? Today, Patch examines the candidates' stances on health care.

No matter what year it is, health care will always be a top concern, and this year is no exception -- and the two candidates' positions couldn't be more different.

On women's health and abortion

Northam: "As a physician, Ralph believes women’s healthcare choices are personal ... and he is an advocate for expanding access to long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs, as well as protecting a woman’s right to safe, legal abortion." (via Northam's official platform)

Gillespie: “I would like to see abortion be banned because I think it is a taking of an innocent human life. It is not the law of the land today.” (via April 2017 Washington Post report)

"It's no surprise that Planned Parenthood would spend millions of dollars on Ralph Northam's behalf, given his extreme positions like supporting abortions in the eighth or ninth month or just because the unborn child is a girl. Most of Planned Parenthood's funding comes from individual donors, and Ed does not support subsidizing their budget with taxpayer dollars." - David Abrams, spokesperson for Ed Gillespie's campaign. (via Bustle report)

On Obamacare

Gillespie: "Lost in the hysterics of the Left (including Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam and Congressman Tom Perriello) is the fact that Obamacare simply isn’t working for Virginians and that Congress’ actions to repeal and replace this disastrous policy is just the first step in a long process. Our premiums are skyrocketing, our choices in doctors are vanishing, and our economy remains stuck in neutral." (via May 2017 Gillespie statement)

“As governor, what I’ve got to do is match our state policies to whatever the federal policy is. ... I don’t think people should be dropped from their insurance because of developing a health condition, and we need to make it possible for people with preexisting conditions to get insurance." (via June 2017 Washington Post report)

Northam: "[I have been] clear about where I stand — as governor and as a doctor, I will keep fighting this irresponsible effort to undermine our health care system and to ensure that no family is one medical illness away from financial demise in this commonwealth." (via Richmond Times-Dispatch report)

On veteran health care

Northam: "Ralph will use his position as governor to be a leader in pushing Washington to reform the VA [U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs] so that every veteran receives the medical care they need, when they need it." (via Northam's official platform)

Gillespie: "Virginia is home to thousands of female veterans and we should be doing more to ensure that their healthcare needs are attended to in our healthcare system. In recognition of Virginia’s female veterans and their contributions, Ed will designate a Virginia Women Veterans Services Coordinator to ensure that our female veterans receive the care and attention they deserve." (via Gillespie's official platform)

Drug addiction

Gillespie: "Thousands of Virginians are facing challenges with mental illness and addiction, and too many of them are strugglimg to find treatment and recovery. My plan will strengthen our mental and behavioral health services and fight the opioid epdiemic that has swept across our Commonwealth. As governor, I will work every day to ensure my fellow Virginians facing behavioral and substance abuse disorders receive the care they deserve, and I will work to prevent addiction, provide intervention and welcome those seeking recovery with open arms." (via 13 News Now report)

Northam: "Currently, three Virginians are dying each day from accidental overdose, and in 2016, 1,133 Virginians died from opioid overdoses. During his tenure as lieutenant governor, Virginia increased access to naloxone, the drug needed to counter the effects of opioid overdose. Ralph believes we must continue to expand access to new substance abuse treatment options and drug courts. Ralph will use his medical expertise to lead on addiction and substance abuse." (via Northam's official platform)

Image via Ed for Virginia