Governor Bryan Issues Statement On U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

Governor vows to veto any legislation affecting the reproductive rights of women in the USVI

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. issued the following statement Friday regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending the decades-long right to abortion in the United States:

“Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court is disappointing and concerning. It is disappointing because it represents the Court’s willingness to reverse hard-fought rights and protections of Americans that the Court itself had to affirm decades ago because the laws in some states denied those rights and protections to certain citizens,” Governor Bryan said.

“And it is concerning because it will effectively criminalize abortion and women’s reproductive freedom in at least 20 states. A woman’s right to choose will remain safe and legal in the Virgin Islands, and as Governor, I vow to veto any legislation remotely proposing to make more difficult a woman’s right to make choices concerning her reproductive health,” the Governor said.

The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov