Virginia Abortion Laws
Explanation of Chart and More Information on Abortion Laws
| Code Section | 18.2-71 to 76.2 |
| Statutory Definition of Illegal Abortion | Failure to meet standards for legal abortion; cause or administer drug or other means to woman with intent to destroy unborn child or produce abortion or miscarriage; Partial Birth Abortion: a physician shall not knowingly perform a partial birth abortion that is not necessary to save the life of a mother. |
| Statutory Definition of Legal Abortion | First trimester, no restrictions; second trimester, in licensed hospital; third trimester, continuation of pregnancy likely to result in death, physical or mental impairment of mother |
| Penalty for Unlawful Abortion | Class 4 felony: imprisonment 2 to 10 years and/or fine to $100,000; Class 3 misdemeanor: encourage or promote performance of abortion |
| Consent Requirements | Informed, written consent of mother (if incompetent, written permission from parent or guardian must be obtained) |
| Residency Requirements for Patients | - |
| Physician Licensing Requirements | Anytime, licensed M.D.; second and third trimesters, licensed hospital; third trimester, attending M.D. and two consulting M.D.s certify medical necessity; if necessary to save mother's life, or substantial and irremediable impairment of mental or physical health of the mother. No condition applies except licensed M.D. Life support for the child must be on hand and used if necessary. |
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