Virginia governor candidates weigh in on Texas abortion law

LYNCHBURG, Va (WSET) — With Texas' new abortion law in effect, Virginia's gubernatorial candidates are now weighing in.

This law is the most restrictive abortion ban in the nation, which now bans abortions beyond six weeks of a woman's pregnancy.

The law also includes a rare provision that would allow private citizens to sue anyone they believe may be helping an individual violate the ban, such as abortion providers.

Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe said he has battled this issue in Virginia during his time as governor and he said at 6 weeks women don't even know they're pregnant.

"It's just horrifying, devastating and so dangerous for women," McAuliffe said.

RELATED: Justice Department will 'protect' abortion seekers in Texas

Republican opponent Glenn Youngkin said he is pro-life, but believes in some exceptions.

"For rape, incest and when the life of a mother is in jeopardy," Youngkin said.

The Texas abortion law though does not allow for exceptions for rape or incest.

Youngkin also said he wants to protect Virginians from McAuliffe's liberal stance when it comes to this issue.

"So we're going to make sure that that is not a future in Virginia and that we can in fact stand up against a real radical," Youngkin added.

McAuliffe said the Texas law is not what America stands for, but something Youngkin would enact if governor.

RELATED: GOP-led states see Texas law as model to restrict abortions

Back in 2017, McAuliffe vetoed every bill that stood in the way of women making decisions about their bodies.

He blocked a House Bill which that would have restricted state and federal funding for women's health providers like Planned Parenthood.

He said it's an issue he will continue to fight for.

"You know, I just fought this so hard before. We've got to stop telling women what to do with their own bodies," McAuliffe added.

The two candidates will soon face off in less than two months on Nov. 2.

Early voting starts in a little under a week on Sept. 17

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