McAuliffe vetoes bill cutting abortion clinics’ funding

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has vetoed a bill that would have restricted funding for Planned Parenthood clinics.

The Democrat vetoed the measure Tuesday during an event outside the executive mansion. He vetoed the same measure last year and said Tuesday it would harm tens of thousands of Virginians who rely on Planned Parenthood.

The organization provides abortions as well as other health services such as cancer screenings.

The bill from Republican Del. Ben Cline would have prohibited the state health department from providing money to any entity that performs abortions not covered by Medicaid. The money would be redirected to other health clinics.

Cline said the measure was meant to prioritize organizations that provide the “most comprehensive” services.