“They’re actually, in some cases, more effective than some forms of sterilization,” she said. “It may not be the right device for everyone, but women should have a right to choose.”

When the Senate’s budget amendment to cut the funding to $3 million and remove IUDs as an option was discussed on the Senate floor Thursday, Sen. Siobhan S. Dunnavant, R-Henrico, referred to the IUD as a device that can cause abortions.

“The method that was generally accepted that we think will be something that can work is to use nexplanon, which is the implant in the arm, because it suppresses ovulation and is therefore not an abortifacient,” Dunnavant said.

She said taxpayers should have a say, and at least 50 percent of taxpayers in Virginia would not want to fund something that can cause abortions.

During his news conference Monday, Northam said Dunnavant is wrong and IUDs do not cause abortions. Dunnavant is an obstetrician and gynecologist, and Northam is a pediatric neurologist.

“It is disingenuous and is offering inaccurate medical information to say that IUDs cause abortions,” Northam said. “We need to stop shaming women and making them think the contraceptives that we have available in 2017 cause abortions.”