Virginia Democrats welcome ‘IUD Express Tour’ in fight for contraceptive rights

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia Democrats welcomed a rather large ally to Richmond in their push for contraceptive rights on Wednesday.

A 20-foot IUD inflatable called “Freeda” made a trip to Richmond on Wednesday, July 17, as part of its “IUD Express Tour” traveling state-to-state with the organization Americans for Contraception. The campaign is designed to educate and engage the public on the importance of protecting the right to contraception.

This comes on the heels of Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoing Senate Bill 237 and House Bill 609 on May 17, which would have protected Virginians’ access to IUDs, condoms and birth control. State Democrats said the bill was necessary after Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas called previous rulings on contraception access into question.

Americans for Contraception spokesperson Katie Baker said this shouldn’t be an issue on party lines.

“This is not a partisan issue,” Baker said. “About 90% of Americans either have used contraception at one point or support the right to use contraception. And contraception is also not abortion.”

In his veto statement , Youngkin said that, while he supports access to contraception, the bills didn’t have robust religious protections. The Family Foundation President Victoria Cobb echoed those comments and said access is already available for those who need it.

“Women in Virginia need to know when they’re being used as pawns in political gamesmanship,” Cobb said. “This is, again, an example of creating an issue where there’s actually been funding put towards this. And that was signed off by both Republicans and Democrats at the time. So it’s a little absurd to try to pretend this is some dire situation, but there is also funding that goes towards making sure those of low income have access to it.”

Richmond resident Julie O’Brien said she’s used an IUD contraceptive since she was 19 years old. She said it helps her navigate her life the way she wants.

“It’s allowed me personally to be able to focus on pursuing an education in my career, as well as enjoying my youth,” O’Brien said. “These extremist politicians need to pay attention to the needs and wants of their constituents rather than the far-right wing of their party.”

The giant inflatable will continue its express tour across the nation in states like Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Illinois.

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