Thread by @SallyLHudson

Been getting questions about what *exactly* we mean when we say abortion is still legal in Virginia.

Great question -- you deserve to know your rights... 🧵

https://twitter.com/SallyLHudson/status/1540340987880423426

Here's the section of Virginia state law that governs most abortion rights, and here's a quick thread on what it says...
law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/tit…

Abortion is legal in Virginia in the 1st and 2nd trimesters. Physicians, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives can all perform abortions in the 1st trimester. After the 1st, only physicians can perform abortions in Virginia.

Abortion in Virginia is restricted during the 3rd trimester to cases where 3 doctors confirm that "the continuation of the pregnancy is likely to result in the death of the woman or substantially and irremediably impair the mental or physical health of the woman."

Virginia requires parental notification & consent to receive an abortion unless the patient obtains a judicial bypass. judicialbypasswiki.ifwhenhow.org

Unlike some nearby states, Virginia no longer has mandatory waiting periods for abortion. That means patients can get the care they need on one day with one appointment. We have the Reproductive Health Protection Act to thank for that. wavy.com/news/virginia/…

There are 15 clinics in Virginia that provide abortion care. That means the vast majority of Virginia's cities & counties lack one of their own and many patients have to travel. abortionfinder.org/abortion-guide…

The good news is Virginia now has 6 tele-health providers who offer 1st trimester abortions with virtual consultations & mail-delivery pills -- a huge help for safety, comfort, travel, & timing. cbs19news.com/story/44815271…

The legal right to care won't ensure that someone can afford it. That's why I worked with Senator @JennMcClellanVA to repeal the ban on abortion coverage on our state health insurance exchange. virginiamercury.com/blog-va/genera…

@JennMcClellanVA Still many folks are uninsured or have plans that won't cover abortion. That's why it's so important to support abortion funds. They help patients with all the steps it takes to get the care they need, including travel costs.

https://twitter.com/SallyLHudson/status/1540342164424622083?s=20&t=Yo0qrEzHwANvgWm_rKOyJg

Got more questions about abortion in Virginia? Drop 'em here 👇

Abortion is still legal in Virginia -- what exactly does that mean? Here's a run down you can share with folks who aren't #onhere. We all deserve to know our rights. medium.com/@sally_hudson/…