HB1716 passed in the House on 1/23 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Health.

The companion bills HB1716/SB1105 establish a right for Virginians to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception, free from coercion, as defined in the bill. The bill further creates a cause of action that may be instituted against anyone who infringes on such right.

The bill also gives health care providers a statutory right to provide contraceptives and information, referrals, and services related to contraception, and makes clear that these rights cannot be infringed upon or limited by laws that single out or impede access to contraception, contraception providers or facilities, or contraception-related information.

Finally, HB1716 prohibits the prohibition of or the restriction of the sale, provision, or use of contraception or preventing an individual from helping someone obtain or use contraception.