After Roe V. Wade Reversal, Fairfax Board Seek To Publicize Health Resources

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — With Roe v. Wade drawing concerns from residents about access to abortion resources, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will seek to have information on local resources publicized.

Last week, the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision reversed federal abortion protections under Roe v. Wade, which had an immediate effect in 13 states with anti-abortion "trigger" laws. Virginia is not one of those states that will ban abortions, although Gov. Glenn Youngkin indicated he wants anti-abortion measures introduced in the next Virginia General Assembly session.

In the meantime, Fairfax County will prepare to share information on resources with residents. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a board matter from Chairman Jeff McKay for county staff to gather information on what reproductive health and women's health resources are available in Fairfax County. The county would create a webpage on reproductive and women's health services available in Fairfax County and share the legality of abortion in Virginia.

The chairman told the board he's heard from residents who were unsure if abortion services can still be offered. McKay said residents look to the county as a source of information to know what rights they have.

"Too many people have called me thinking that as a result of what happened last week, that all sudden reproductive health care services are banned in Fairfax County in Virginia. And that's simply not the truth. That's not what was decided," McKay told the board. "And it's important for us to make sure we can alleviate some of the anxiety that's out there with this acknowledgement of what services are available to people who might need them."

In addition, the county's legislative director was asked to keep the board informed of potential abortion restrictions considered on the state level. Youngkin indicated to the Washington Post he will seek a ban on abortions at 15 weeks, although he's also willing to consider 20 weeks as a compromise. The governor said he believes the ban could have exceptions for rapes, incest or risks to the mother's life.

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, the lone Republican on the board, supported the board matter but raised concerns about publicizing resources in light of vandalisms of Catholic churches. One church in Reston was vandalized with graffiti in connection with the Roe v. Wade reversal.

"It kind of worries me that we're going to put a list of potential targets on our website, but again, on the other side of it, I also don't want to let people who want to do malicious things stop us from doing the right thing," said Herrity.

McKay countered that it was important to share information on the status of abortion access due to misinformation circulating.

Other supervisors spoke in support of sharing resources with Fairfax County residents. Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik expressed dismay with the Supreme Court's decision and noted women of color have higher mortality rates related to pregnancy. Palchik, who was born in Argentina, noted abortion access was not safe when abortion was illegal there. As an adult, she found out her nanny had an abortion and could no longer have children.

Palchik noted she herself recently went through a difficult pregnancy, and she has friends who can't imagine not having abortion as an option if needed.

"This is personal, this is for our whole community," said Palchik. "I'm scared for the many young women who will be negatively impacted by this."

Palchik believes the county should be upfront about abortion being legal in Virginia amid conversations on the national and state level.

"We as a county must have a strong voice and ensure there's safe access and that we share the word," said Palchik.

SEE ALSO: Roe V. Wade Overturned: What It Means In Virginia