Pro-choice plate avoids McDonnell veto pen

License plates with the slogan "Trust Women/Respect Choice" were left in an ominbus bill by Gov. Bob McDonnell, who has the power to amend or veto legislation.

Advocates clamored for the new plates with a pro-choice message after the General Assembly previously approved a plate that reads "Choose Life."

Both are revenue-sharing plates, meaning a portion of their proceeds go to a non-government organization after the first 1,000 are sold.

The Choose Life plate benefits an anti-abortion Christian group, while some money from the sale of pro-choice plates will go to Planned Parenthood. McDonnell amended the license plate bill to specify that proceeds from the pro-choice plates will not be used for abortion services, a commitment Planned Parenthood officials previously made.

Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Jessica Honke said the funds will be used to provide medical care to women.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia had threatened to sue the state if it didn't permit a pro-choice plate after previously approving a pro-life one.

Also Wednesday, the governor announced a budget amendment to restrict government funds from being used for abortions except as permitted by federal and state law, such as cases of rape and incest or if the life of the mother is in danger.

While Honke bemoaned the decision as one that would "further limit women's access to abortion care," it was praised by the Family Foundation of Virginia, a social conservative group.

But foundation president Victoria Cobb said the group remains committed to stripping Planned Parenthood of any taxpayer funds and anticipates "the governor will fulfill his campaign promise" to do just that.

-- Julian Walker.

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