Virginia's Democratic governor on Tuesday vetoed a bill from the GOP-majority state legislature that would have defunded Planned Parenthood.

"It's time that our General Assembly understands that we have a responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of women," Gov. Terry McAuliffe said at a press conference.

"Without access to reproductive care and the freedom to exercise choice, women are denied the choice to make deeply personal health decisions."

ADVERTISEMENT

McAuliffe's veto comes as the Republican-controlled Congress moves to restrict funds for Planned Parenthood at the federal level.

The House voted last week to roll back an Obama-era regulation that barred states from defunding healthcare providers for political reasons.

Former President Barack Obama Barack Hussein ObamaThe Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon Trump appointees stymie recommendations to boost minority voting: report Obama's first presidential memoir, 'A Promised Land,' set for November release MORE's rule required that state and local governments distribute federal Title X funding for services related to contraception, fertility, pregnancy care and cervical cancer screenings to health providers, regardless of whether they also perform abortions.

Republican leaders have also said that a provision defunding Planned Parenthood will be included in a bill that will also repeal ObamaCare.

Leaders hope to have that bill passed by the end of March.