Gov. Glenn Youngkin is set to address anti-abortion activists at an annual gala in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, the same day the group announced support for congressional legislation that would ban abortions nationwide past 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Youngkin is headlining Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s annual gala in Washington alongside Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). The group has donated millions of dollars to political candidates across the country, including former President Donald Trump.
Representatives of the group appeared with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) as he announced the proposed 15-week cap, which he argued was in line with other countries. His announcement comes less than two months ahead of heated midterm elections.
“If [Republicans] take back the House and Senate, I can assure you we will have a vote on our bill,” Graham said. “If the Democrats are in charge, I don’t know if we’ll ever have a vote on our bill.”
Youngkin’s spokesperson, Macaulay Porter, declined to comment directly on whether he supported the proposal. She pointed to previous remarks Youngkin made supporting a statewide ban on abortion past 15 weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, and if a person’s life is in danger.
Reproductive rights advocates are planning to protest the event, held at the National Building Museum. Local advocates also spoke out against Youngkin’s appearance at the event.
“There is no question that Governor Youngkin would sign a total abortion ban in Virginia if given the chance,” tweeted Jamie Lockhart, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia. “We can’t allow him to have majorities in VA General Assembly to send him this ban.”
