Youngkin Orders Criminal Investigation into Alleged Abortion Funding in Virginia Schools

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has initiated a criminal investigation into allegations that public school staff in Fairfax County facilitated and funded abortions for students without parental consent. The investigation was announced on Wednesday and is being conducted by the Virginia State Police.

The inquiry follows claims that officials at Centreville High School arranged for two minor female students to receive abortions, which state law mandates must involve notifying at least one parent unless a judicial bypass is granted. Youngkin expressed his concern regarding the allegations, stating, “I am deeply concerned with the allegations that Fairfax County Public Schools officials arranged for minors to get abortions without parental consent and may have misused public funds to pay for them.”

The investigation was prompted by a report released on August 5 by independent journalist Walter Curt. The report included an alleged handwritten statement from one of the students, indicating that a social worker, Carolina Díaz, scheduled the abortion appointment and covered the clinic’s fees while instructing the student to keep the matter confidential.

According to the report, the abortion occurred in November 2021 when the student was still seventeen, which would constitute a violation of state law regarding parental notification. A second student, who was reportedly five months pregnant, claimed that Díaz told her she had “no other choice” regarding the procedure. This student ultimately chose not to go through with the abortion after expressing her fears to a teacher, Zenaida Perez, who later confirmed that the family was not informed about the school’s involvement.

The alleged actions of the school officials have raised significant concerns among parents and community members. Critics argue that such actions undermine parental rights and violate state laws designed to protect minors. Youngkin’s office emphasized the importance of parental involvement in such critical decisions.

Fairfax County Public Schools has stated that it is conducting its own investigation into the allegations. When asked by a local ABC affiliate whether school staff had arranged abortions for students, the district responded, “Not to our knowledge. We have launched an immediate investigation into these concerns as soon as we were made aware.”

This incident is part of a broader pattern of controversies surrounding Fairfax County schools. Last month, the U.S. Department of Education found that the district was among five in Virginia violating Title IX regulations by allowing boys into girls’ private spaces, such as restrooms and locker rooms. This revelation followed a federal civil rights complaint regarding racially discriminatory policies within the district.

As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Fairfax County Public Schools could be significant, particularly regarding public trust and funding. The community is closely monitoring the situation as more details emerge.

Governor Youngkin’s administration has made parental rights a key focus, and this investigation aligns with broader efforts to address concerns about school policies and practices. The outcome of the investigation may influence future discussions about educational governance and parental involvement in Virginia schools.