July 14, 2022 News & Press Releases

Does Governor Youngkin Endorse Yesli Vega’s Comments on Rape?


by Democratic Party of Virginia

Richmond, VA – Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin endorsed Yesli Vega, the far-right extremist running in Virginia’s 7th District, who recently casted doubt on the chances that victims of rape could get pregnant. 

With today’s endorsement, does Governor Youngkin endorse these comments from Yesli Vega?

YESLI VEGA: And the left will say, well, what about in cases of rape or incest? I’m a law enforcement officer, I became a police officer in 2011, I’ve worked one case where as a result of a rape, the young woman became pregnant. And it’s my job, number one as a believer, to give you all of the resources available. 

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: You were saying you only ran into one instance of pregnancy as the result of rape, I’ve actually heard that it’s harder for a woman to get pregnant if she’s been raped. Have you heard that?

YESLI VEGA: … if I’m processing what you’re saying it wouldn’t surprise me, because it’s not something that’s happening organically. You’re forcing it. The individual, the male is doing it as quickly, it’s not like, you know, and so I can see why there is truth to that. It’s unfortunate. 

Yesli Vega has denied basic facts about pregnancy. Further, she hides from concerned voters looking for her views on abortion. When asked by the press whether she would support banning abortion in cases of rape, Yesli Vega refused to answer the question. As the Prince William Times reports

“GOP nominee for Congress declines to say whether abortion bans should include exceptions for rape, incest or life-threatening pregnancies”

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“By endorsing Yesli Vega, Governor Youngkin needs to answer whether he endorses Vega’s false comments on rape,” said DPVA spokesperson Gianni Snidle. “Vega’s comments on rape victims are shocking, disqualifying, and fueled by conspiracy theories.”

“One thing is clear though: Virginians need a representative who is a staunch defender of a woman’s right to choose and the fundamental right to privacy, not someone who spreads unfounded comments doubting pregnancy after rape,” Snidle added. 

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