Abortion in Virginia
Abortion Law
Currently in Virginia, abortion procedures are legal during the first and second trimesters. Third-trimester abortions are only allowed in rare cases, when the pregnancy is putting the mother’s life in danger. (Laws can change at any time. For the most current laws and information, consult a legal resource.)
Although Virginia allows abortions up to 26 weeks, 6 days, the FDA has approved the abortion pill for use only up to 10 weeks. Some clinics may prescribe the abortion pill for 11 or 12 weeks but will need to double the dose of the second medication. The abortion pill’s effectiveness decreases the further along you are.
Approximately 15-20% of known pregnancies will end in a miscarriage, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Having an ultrasound prior to an abortion can provide important information, including how far along you are and make you aware of a potential miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Mosaic Virginia offers ultrasounds free of charge.
Parental Consent
In Virginia, women under the age of 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian before obtaining an abortion. This is part of the state’s parental involvement law and is intended to encourage support and guidance during the decision-making process.
Many states require a waiting period between an initial consultation and an abortion procedure. During this time, women receive information about the procedure, risks, and alternatives. Waiting 24-48 hours gives women time to consider their decision and process information provided. Virginia does not have a mandatory waiting period.
Before undergoing any medical procedure, including an abortion, it’s important to have clear information and feel confident in your decision. You deserve to understand how the procedure works and what to expect before, during, and after.
If you would like to learn more, schedule a visit at Mosaic Virginia to meet with a nurse. Our team is here to provide information, answer your questions, and support you as you consider your options.