This post has background information for a series of aircasts on “Abortion & State Governance” – what state governments and politicians are doing about reproductive rights.

The first aircast in this series is a debate focused on “Advocating for Pro-Choice and Pro-Life in Richmond VA”.

Current Situation: Although the Roe v. Wade landmark supreme court case took place over 40 years ago, abortion is still a highly debated civil rights issue in American and Virginian politics.  Pro life and pro choice activists continue to spar over the perceived benefits and risks of increased access to abortion, and multiple pieces of legislation relating to the topic of abortion are presented in both the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress every year.

Abortion is a highly controversial and sensitive topic, and abortion activists on both sides of the aisle have found it hard to achieve common ground on legislation.