Existing Virginia law prevents abortion coverage from being required in insurance plans offered through the state, and dates back to the creation of the state's healthcare exchange in 2011. The new pro-abortion bill will now go to Democratic Governor Ralph Northam's desk to be signed into law.

Governor Northam, a pediatric neurologist and outspoken supporter of abortion who has made controversial statements that some interpreted as support for infanticide, is expected to sign the bill. 

Northam has overseen the end of many of Virginia's previous protections for preborn children. In 2020, he signed a bill allowing nurses and physicians assistants to commit abortions, while removing safety regulations and the states' 24-hour waiting period from abortion businesses, as Live Action News reported. The bill was signed on Good Friday of that year, which the state's Catholic bishops decried as "a particular affront to all who profess the Gospel of life."

READ: Virginia gov signs bill removing abortion safety standards, claims it will ‘make women and families safer'

Pro-life leaders in Virginia reacted strongly to this most recent pro-abortion bill, which passed along party lines in both the Democratic-controlled House and Senate. The director of the Virginia Catholic Conference, Jeff Caruso, told CNA, "Virginia should not subsidize abortion on demand with taxpayer funds." Caruso explained how the bill would pay for abortions: "The exchange is taxpayer-funded. Taxes pay for managing the exchange, and for subsidizing health plans in many cases."

The Virginia Society for Human Life (VSHL) also released a statement: "Regardless of their view on the legality of abortion, few people support using taxpayer money to pay for them. This is not a pro-life or pro-abortion issue. This is a question of how our taxes may be spent." Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here 

"Replacing the current life-saving restrictions on abortion with a policy of abortion coverage without limits in our state exchange is drastic, dangerous and will result in the tragic end to more unborn lives," read a statement jointly released by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. "Though this bill has passed, advocacy against future threats to life and dignity is essential. Therefore, we encourage all to continue in the active participation of the faithful in our two dioceses in this advocacy."

"Like" Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

July 4th Fireworks Will Be Great on America's 250th Birthday, But Your Dog Will Hate Them!

Our Favorite Patriotic Tunes, Part 2: 3 Songs Swiped from the Brits (Videos)

World Cup: Team USA Wins, Goes to the Sweet 16 Round against Belgium on Monday

3,000 Walk Boston's Freedom Trail: 'We Have A Lot to Thank God For'

Except for Democrats, a New Survey Shows Americans Still DO Have Pride in Their Country (And We Don't Mean the LGBT Kind)

Christian Student Says She Was Forced to Make an Unthinkable Graduation Choice

This Oregon Couple Went to the Great American State Fair in DC, Voluntarily Helped Man Their State's Empty Booth, and Was Awed by What They Experienced

'United Saints of America': 'Fighter' Singer Jon Kahn, and Nashville Hit-Maker Michael Farren Release Patriotic Anthem Ahead of America's 250

Famous TikTok Tarot Card Reader Finds Jesus, Deletes All Occult Content (Video)

Muslims Massacre 22 More Christians in Nigeria, Including a Pastor

Sweden Takes Girls from Christian Parents, Won't Return Them Citing Church Attendance as 'Extremism' (Video)

Energy Secretary Issues Emergency Orders to Bolster Mid-Atlantic Power Grid Amid Heat Wave Risks

Here's How Fauci Can Still Face Prosecution Despite His Pardon

President Trump Announces GOP to Host First-Ever Midterm Convention in Dallas

Tennessee Congressman Introduces Bill to Ban 'Birthright Tourism'

5 Taxpayer Wins from Vice President Vance's Fraud-Fighting Task Force

250 Reasons Why We Love America

Stories of Heroism and Miracles from the Devastation in Venezuela, Shared on Social Media

Enemies Within: The Threat of Communism to America

Man Taken into Custody in Somalia for Role in Huge MN Fraud Scheme