Whole Woman’s Health sues FDA
Whole Woman’s Health Alliance has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Drug Administration.
The suit follows a wave of recent rulings over the drug mifepristone, which is commonly used for medication abortions. While the U.S. Supreme Court has already blocked a Texas federal court ruling banning the drug, WWHA is suing the FDA in an effort to further protect access to mifepristone.
Plaintiffs in the case include Whole Woman’s Health of Charlottesville, WWH of Alexandria, WWH Virtual Care, two providers from Montana, and one provider from Kansas. Although there has been a wealth of abortion-related cases since the overturn of Roe v. Wade last year, WWHA v. FDA is the first time an abortion provider has sued the FDA.
In a press release announcing the lawsuit, WWH President and CEO Amy Hagstrom Miller said, “We believe in the safety and efficacy of mifepristone. The ability for our Virginia patients to receive abortion care on their own terms, whether in a clinic or at home, is paramount to their bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom.” She concluded, “There is no medically accurate reason to withdraw access to mifepristone for anyone in this country.”
Early voting begins
Voters can now cast their ballots early in person for the June 2023 primary elections, which include local races and House of Delegates and state Senate seats.
For Charlottesville and Albemarle residents, the ballot includes Democratic primaries for the 11th District Virginia Senate seat, the 54th and 55th District House of Delegates seats, and (in the city) City Council.
To vote early in person, city residents should visit the City Hall Annex at 120 Seventh St. NE, Room 142, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. In Albemarle County, voters can go to the County Office Building at 1600 Fifth St., Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm.
Fluvanna and Nelson counties also have a Democratic primary this June, in addition to local elections. Although Greene County does not have a primary election for either state legislature, there will be a Board of Supervisors primary. The addresses and hours of operation for each county are: Fluvanna County: 265 Turkeysag Trl., Suite 115, Palmyra, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm; Greene County: 32 Standard St., Stanardsville, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to noon and 1 to 5pm; Nelson County: 571 Front St., Lovingston Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Limited Saturday voting will occur closer to the primaries, which are on Tuesday, June 20.
In brief
Teens arrested
Albemarle County police have arrested two local teenagers for the April 9 carjacking of a Lyft in Crozet. Despite initial reports describing the suspects as 16 to 17 years old, the juveniles arrested are 13 and 14. The arrest is the latest in a wave of crime committed by extremely young individuals in the Greater Charlottesville Area.
PCOB meeting
New Executive Director Inez Gonzalez will meet with the Police Civilian Oversight Board for the first time on May 11. The meeting will be held virtually at 6:30pm as normally scheduled, with an opportunity for public comment after Gonzalez’ introduction. Gonzalez officially began work on May 1.
Cyberattack funds
Sen. Mark Warner announced that $1,820,000 of federal funding will be awarded to Virginia universities. The funding will be divided between the University of Virginia and Norfolk State University to research AI approaches to cybersecurity. UVA has been granted $845,000 for the project.
Cop decertified
A former Massachusetts police officer has been decertified due to his alleged involvement in planning the 2017 Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville. The ex-officer—John Donnelly—had previously been suspended from his position in fall of 2022, but quickly resigned before an investigation could be completed. Donnelly is the first officer to be decertified by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.
