Abortion is a highly personal and sometimes contentious topic, with laws varying widely from state to state. Virginia is one state where the abortion laws are designed to protect both the health of the pregnant person and the rights of the unborn child.
Is Abortion Legal in Virginia?
Yes, abortion is legal in Virginia.
However, there are certain restrictions and requirements that must be met. Virginia law bans abortions after 26 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy, with exceptions to save the life of the pregnant person or preserve their general health.
Key Elements of Virginia’s Abortion Laws
Below are some key aspects of Virginia’s abortion laws:
- No Waiting Period: Unlike many states that require a counseling session and waiting period before getting an abortion, Virginia does not impose these requirements.
- Parental Consent for Minors: If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian’s permission to have an abortion. If this isn’t possible, you can seek a judicial bypass, which waives the requirement for parental involvement.
- Ban After 26 Weeks and 6 Days: After 26 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy (calculated from the first day of your last period), abortion is banned in Virginia, except in cases where it is necessary to save the life or preserve the health of the pregnant person.
Abortion Providers in Virginia
Virginia is served by several virtual providers who offer abortion services. These include telehealth abortion pill visits and abortion pill mail delivery. Providers require a mailing address in Virginia, and most serve those who are 18 and older.
| Provider | Service Range | Services Offered | Age Group Served | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abortion on Demand | Up to 10 weeks, 0 days | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | Serves 18 and older | abortionondemand.org |
| Aid Access | Up to 12 weeks, 0 days | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery, abortion pills for future use | Serves 18 and older | aidaccess.org |
| Choix | Up to 10 weeks, 5 days | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery, abortion pills for future use | Serves 15 and older | choixhealth.com |
| Metro Area Modern Reproductive Care LLC | Up to 12 weeks, 6 days | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery, abortion pills for future use | Serves 18 and older | metroarea.health/abortion |
| MYA Network | Up to 10 weeks, 0 days | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | Serves 18 and older | myanetwork.org |
| Planned Parenthood South Atlantic – Telehealth | Up to 10 weeks, 0 days | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | Serves 18 and older | plannedparenthood.org |
| Whole Woman’s Health – Medication By Mail | Up to 10 weeks, 2 days | Telehealth abortion pill visit, abortion pill mail delivery | Serves 18 and older | wholewomanshealth.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is abortion legal in Virginia?
Yes, abortion is legal in Virginia. However, it is banned after 26 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy unless necessary to save the life or preserve the health of the pregnant person.
Is there a waiting period for an abortion in Virginia?
No, Virginia does not require a counseling session or waiting period before getting an abortion.
Do minors need parental consent for an abortion in Virginia?
Yes, if you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian’s permission to have an abortion. If this isn’t possible, you can seek a judicial bypass.
Who are some providers of abortion services in Virginia?
Providers include Abortion on Demand, Aid Access, and Choix, among others. Most offer telehealth abortion pill visits and abortion pill mail delivery.