(The Center Square) – Fairfax County Public Schools has launched an investigation into allegations that staff at Centreville High School arranged and paid for abortions for students without notifying their parents.
The allegations were published in a report this week and include handwritten statements from two former students. The students allege that in 2021, a school social worker scheduled the procedures, paid for them, and did not involve their families. One student said she was 17 at the time.
The report names the clinic and several school staff members.
Virginia law requires that at least one parent be notified before a minor receives an abortion, unless a judge grants a bypass. The report does not say whether a judicial bypass was sought or granted.
In a statement to The Center Square, Fairfax County Public Schools said it has hired an external investigator to review the matter.
“We have serious questions about these allegations that must be answered,” the district said. “At no time would the situation as described in these allegations from back in 2021 be acceptable in Fairfax County Public Schools. We have taken immediate action engaging an external investigator to get the facts. We all deserve to know exactly what happened. We will take appropriate action as necessary.”
According to FCPS Regulation 2504, staff are encouraged to support students in speaking with their parents or guardians, and are prohibited from promising to keep pregnancy-related information confidential. The policy also states that referrals for medical services should be made to public health nurses employed by Fairfax County, not school personnel.
Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid responded to the allegations in a campaign statement Wednesday.
“If this report is true, every single person involved should be investigated, fired, and potentially prosecuted,” Reid said. He criticized the alleged use of public school resources without parental consent and called on other elected officials to demand answers.
The Center Square asked whether any staff members had been placed on leave or whether the district referred the matter to law enforcement or the Virginia Department of Education. FCPS’s response did not address those specific questions.
A spokesperson for the Fairfax County Police Department said FCPS contacted the department Thursday morning to say they are looking into the matter and would reach out again if further discussion was needed. The Virginia Department of Education has not yet responded.
