Public Broadcaster Cancels Pro-Life Event, Cites Political Nature
Virginia Public Media cancels event featuring pro-life doctors, citing political alignment with its mission.
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Virginia Public Media (VPM) has canceled an event featuring pro-life doctors, citing the gathering’s political nature. The organization had previously accepted payment for the event, which was scheduled to take place in October as part of an opposition campaign against Virginia’s proposed constitutional amendment protecting abortion access.
Event Cancellation and Refund
The Virginia Medical Professionals for Women’s Safety booked space at VPM’s Richmond headquarters roughly a month ago for an event in opposition to the proposed amendment. VPM accepted payment for the event before canceling it and issuing a full refund, according to the organization.
In an email obtained by The Daily Wire, VPM stated that private functions at its facility must align with the organization’s mission. The email said, “Since we were not made aware of the political nature of your event, the contract has been voided, and you will receive a full refund.”
Event Relocation and Continued Advocacy
The medical group, which represents nearly 200 medical professionals, moved the press conference to the Virginia General Assembly Building. The event is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. Dr. Timothy Boley, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and leader of the group, said the cancellation would not stop the doctors from speaking publicly about the amendment.
“VPM may have attempted to cancel our event, but we are pressing forward,” Boley said. “We will still hold our press conference and shed light on the facts that expose the medical dangers of Question 1.”
Proposed Amendment and Medical Concerns
The proposed amendment would add a constitutional right to “reproductive freedom” to the Bill of Rights in Virginia’s Constitution. It is one of three constitutional amendments scheduled for a statewide vote on November 3. VPM has separately reported on the amendment, including arguments from both abortion opponents and pro-abortion experts.
The medical group argues that Question 1 would eliminate existing health and safety protections and allow abortions to be performed by unlicensed providers in facilities not subject to medical inspections. Christina Francis, a board-certified OB/GYN and CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists Action, accused VPM of silencing physician voices.
“VPM is doing a disservice to their audience — aka, Virginians across the Commonwealth who are heading to the ballot box one month from now — by silencing our physician voices,” Francis said.
VPM’s Mission and Reporting
VPM’s publicly stated mission is “to use the power of media to educate, entertain and inspire.” Its news operation covers statewide politics and issues before the Virginia General Assembly.
Source: Daily Wire
