CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WTVR) - The woman who successfully argued Roe versus Wade at the Supreme Court is helping Planned Parenthood to raise money so the group can continue providing healthcare for women.
Sarah Weddington, who headlined a fundraiser in Charlottesville, said she is surprised how little things have changed four decades after the landmark court decision.
Last month, the Virginia Board of Health signed off on a new law requiring abortion clinics to meet the same building code as newly constructed hospitals.
Planned Parenthood called the new regulations unneccessary to patient health.
"While abortion is legal now, thanks to Roe v. Wade, it is becoming more and more unavailable and that's the intent of those totally opposed to Roe v. Wade and opposed to women making their own choices," Weddington said.
While Planned Parenthood face federal and state funding threats, the organization said it is depending on private donations to make up the difference.
None of the 20 clinics currently providing abortion services in Virginia meet the new building standards. And those facilities must meet the new standards within two years to apply for a new license.
