Richmond, Virginia – Amid recent allegations, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has initiated a criminal investigation into Fairfax County schools. This comes after claims surfaced that school officials may have assisted minors in obtaining abortions and potentially used school funds to do so.
The governor’s office released a statement indicating that school employees might have arranged and funded abortions for multiple students without parental consent. It’s suggested that school administrators were aware of these allegations, raising serious concerns.
In an interview with DC News, Youngkin expressed his alarm, labeling the claims as “shocking.” He emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation and requested the involvement of the state police’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, stating that they would seek to uncover the truth and ensure accountability if the allegations are substantiated.
Virginia law mandates that minors obtain either parental consent or a judicial bypass before seeking abortion care.
The Virginia State Police have confirmed that an “open and aggressive investigation” is underway.
A teacher, Zenaida Perez from Centerville High School, shared her experiences, recalling a suspected abortion case from several years ago. She expressed concern upon learning about a student who allegedly received significant support for an abortion from a social worker at the school. Perez recounted asking the student numerous detailed questions, noting that the girl was only 17 and that her legal guardians were unaware of the situation.
Perez reported her concerns to school administrators multiple times, even presenting a signed letter to the principal three years ago, but felt her warnings went unaddressed. “I couldn’t fathom it; I had to process it. I reported what I knew, but it seemed like the principal was simply trying to cover it up,” she claimed.
In response, Fairfax County Public Schools issued a statement affirming its commitment to fully cooperate with the investigation, noting that they will look into any relevant incidents dating back to 2021. The statement emphasized their focus on preparing for the upcoming school year while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
