I am deeply disappointed that Senate members and Lt. Governor Bolling voted to restrict funding for the preventative health care and education provided by Planned Parenthood. I am even more disappointed that Democrat Charles Cogan (D-Prince William) was the "Yay" vote that caused the tie which made Bolling's vote necessary.

No one does more to prevent unintended pregnancy in Virginia than Planned Parenthood. And, even though fundies like Cuccinelli ignore it, the overwhelming majority of our services are aimed at preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. If the legislators who voted for this amendment truly wanted to reduce unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion, they would stand behind Planned Parenthood's prevention health care services.

I guess I'm not surprised as much as disappointed. While this type of ideological maneuvering is what the GOPers thrive on, I'm still continually amazed at how they subjugate women's health to their own version of pseudo-morality. Would that such moral bastions support, instead of oppose, social program funding that supports women and children that are already here. It seems that it will be up to Gov. Kaine to use a line-item veto, which some have already stated is a probability. I have a positive feeling on that aspect because one of the articles did quote his communication director as saying, "…some of the state aid for Planned Parenthood goes for programs that it operates at juvenile correction facilities to teach pregnancy prevention."

Luckily, we have an active volunteer network in Virginia and have been able to quickly spread this message that invites supporters to write Letters to the Editors to their local papers outlining why they are outraged at Cuccinelli’s last minute attempt to cut funding from the very organization whose message is built upon prevention of the very thing that he says he wants to end. Be looking in your own local papers for letters. Or, if you feel so inclined, please write your own. We must remain ever vigilant of those who would seek limit our reproductive rights; they are certainly ever vigilant of any chance to undermine women’s health.

Check out Feministing's take.