RICHMOND, Va. (DC News Now) -- In light of recent accusations, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin directed Virginia State Police to open a criminal investigation into allegations that a school in Fairfax County helped minors receive "school-funded" and facilitated abortions.
According to a news release from Youngkin's office, reports allege that school employees may have arranged and paid for multiple students to have abortions without the consent of their parents. The reports also claim that school administrators were aware of the allegations and that school funding may have been used.
Youngkin said he was deeply concerned and called the allegations "shocking" in an interview with DC News Now on Thursday.
“I thought it was important for us to have a criminal investigation, that's why I've asked the State Police to get involved directly, the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the best in the Commonwealth. We’re gonna get to the bottom of this and if the allegations are true, we’re gonna hold people accountable," Youngkin said at an event in Sterling, Va.
Virginia law requires at least one parent's consent, or a judicial bypass, before a minor can receive abortion care.
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One teacher who spoke with DC News Now says she became aware of the alleged abortions several years ago.
Centreville High School ESOL teacher Zenaida Perez says she learned about an alleged student abortion and tried to alert school officials during the 2021-2022 school year.
"When I heard that she received all the logistics and the support from the school social worker, I asked her, 'How much was it? Where was it? Give me all the information I want to know.' She was only 17. Her legal guardian was unaware of what's happening here," Perez said.
She said she has tried multiple times to get those answers from administrators. She shared a letter to the school principal, signed and dated three years ago.
"I couldn't believe it. I had to digest it. I told the school principal about this situation, and he didn't do anything," Perez claimed. "But in reality, what he was doing was covering everything up."
Fairfax County Public Schools released a statement in response, saying it plans to "fully cooperate" in the investigation, which the division acknowledged is looking into an alleged incident or alleged incidents that date back to 2021.
"We remain focused on preparations for the start of the school year -- with a focus on academic excellence and opportunity for each and every student in a safe and welcoming environment,” the statement concluded.
Source: The Hill - News
