Is Reproductive Access Legal in Virginia? (2026)
It depends. In Virginia, reproductive access is restricted. Virginia’s cited abortion article distinguishes trimester, provider, hospital, clinical-judgment and written-consent requirements..
Key facts
- Status
- Restricted
- Permit required
- No
- Jurisdiction
- Virginia
- Last reviewed
- 2026-04-09
Reproductive Access laws in Virginia
Virginia Code18.2-72 permits first-trimester abortion by a physician licensed by the Board of Medicine to practice medicine and surgery, or an advanced practice registered nurse jointly licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing acting within their scope of practice. Section18.2-73 allows a licensed physician to perform abortion during the second trimester and before the third trimester in a hospital licensed by the State Department of Health or operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. For care after the second trimester, section18.2-74 requires that hospital setting, certification entered in the hospital record by the physician and two consulting physicians that continued pregnancy is likely to cause the patient’s death or substantially and irremediably impair their mental or physical health based on best clinical judgment, and available life-support measures used if there is clearly visible evidence of viability. Section18.2-74.1 separately makes sections18.2-71,18.2-73 and18.2-74 inapplicable when, in the performing licensed physician’s opinion, termination is necessary to save the patient’s life. Section18.2-76 requires informed written patient consent before care under72,73 or74; for a person adjudicated incapacitated, or known or reasonably believed to be so adjudicated, written permission from a parent, guardian, committee or person standing in loco parentis is required. Section18.2-75 does not require a hospital, facility or physician to admit an abortion patient and preserves the specified written personal, ethical, moral or religious refusal to participate. These are the served article’s provisions, not a guarantee of care availability or a complete review of other minor-consent, facility or court-order requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is reproductive access legal in Virginia for travelers?
For travelers visiting Virginia, reproductive access is currently restricted. Virginia Code18.2-72 permits first-trimester abortion by a physician licensed by the Board of Medicine to practice medicine and surgery, or an advanced practice registered nurse jointly licensed by the Boards of Medicine and Nursing acting within their scope of practice. Section18.2-73 allows a licensed physician to perform abortion during the second trimester and before the third trimester in a hospital licensed by the State Department of Health or operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. For care after the second trimester, section18.2-74 requires that hospital setting, certification entered in the hospital record by the physician and two consulting physicians that continued pregnancy is likely to cause the patient’s death or substantially and irremediably impair their mental or physical health based on best clinical judgment, and available life-support measures used if there is clearly visible evidence of viability. Section18.2-74.1 separately makes sections18.2-71,18.2-73 and18.2-74 inapplicable when, in the performing licensed physician’s opinion, termination is necessary to save the patient’s life. Section18.2-76 requires informed written patient consent before care under72,73 or74; for a person adjudicated incapacitated, or known or reasonably believed to be so adjudicated, written permission from a parent, guardian, committee or person standing in loco parentis is required. Section18.2-75 does not require a hospital, facility or physician to admit an abortion patient and preserves the specified written personal, ethical, moral or religious refusal to participate. These are the served article’s provisions, not a guarantee of care availability or a complete review of other minor-consent, facility or court-order requirements.
Do I need a permit for reproductive access in Virginia?
Virginia does not specifically require a permit for reproductive access, though general regulations apply.
Can I transport reproductive access through Virginia?
Transport laws for reproductive access in Virginia depend on the specific item and your route. Generally, transport is allowed if you comply with state regulations. Always check states you pass through.
What are the penalties for reproductive access violations in Virginia?
Penalties for reproductive access violations in Virginia vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.