Steve Cortes, Senior Political Advisor at CatholicVote, said that Virginians desire a “culture of life” and reject abortion. His comments come in response to the recent opening of a facility by The Satanic Temple (TST) in Virginia, which refers to abortion as a religious ritual. Cortes provided his statement to Old Dominion News.
“People of faith in Virginia want to build a culture of life, not new, overtly Satanic facilities to do abortions,” said Cortes.
In October 2024, The Satanic Temple launched its second telehealth abortion clinic, named the “Right to Your Life Satanic Abortion Clinic,” in Virginia. According to a press release from TST, this facility offers virtual consultations and prescribes abortion medication, which is mailed to patients in discreet packaging. TST argues that abortion is a religious ritual and that restrictions on it infringe upon their religious freedoms. The clinic operates around the clock, providing services free of charge with patients only covering the cost of medication. Additionally, TST offers financial assistance and is working on expanding access in other states.
The group previously opened a similar clinic in New Mexico called “The Samuel Alito’s Mom’s Satanic Abortion Clinic.” According to Live Action, TST claims these services reflect their religious beliefs and positions itself as the sole provider of “religious” abortion care. They frame their clinics as a response to restrictive abortion laws and perceived threats to reproductive freedom.
According to the press release, “With the opening of our Virginia clinic, TST Health is expanding access to a new region, offering safe and affordable virtual abortion care to those who need it most.” They also state they are actively working to increase access in other states and are taking legal action in restrictive states such as Indiana and Idaho to provide religious abortion services there. The organization describes this as a challenging effort but remains committed to advocating for the reproductive rights of its members and supporters.
Cortes serves as Senior Political Advisor and spokesman for Catholic Vote, an advocacy organization representing Catholic interests.
