The Virginia legislature on Thursday passed historic legislation that would tighten regulations on abortion clinics in the state — and could make it more difficult for Northern Virginia women to find one. Facilities in which five or more first-trimester abortions are performed each month would be classified as hospitals, which are subject to stricter rules regarding the width of their hallways, for example, as well as certain staffing and medical requirements.
The Board of Health would also have to craft regulations for women’s clinics offering abortion services. Gov. Bob McDonnell said Thursday he intends to sign the measure.
Should that happen, Virginia will become the first state to require hospital regulations at facilities that perform first-trimester abortions. The law would take effect July 1, and the state Board of Health, made up of gubernatorial appointments, would issue regulations within 280 days of that date.
| In Richmond Thursday |
| — The General Assembly passed legislation extending the statute of limitations for victims of sexual abuse to bring lawsuits against their attackers from two to 20 years. |
| — The legislature approved regulations regarding alcohol ads on billboards that would allow them only in certain areas, after a consent decree issued last month essentially eliminated Virginia’s ban on such ads. |
| — The Virginia Senate approved a measure to establish a plan that would address a recent report from the U.S. Department of Justice criticizing the state’s system that provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
Advocates for the long-sought measure, including Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, hailed the outcome as a measure to preserve and protect the health of women in the state.
“While I regret the occurrence of abortions, I do want women in all circumstances treated with the dignity and respect that every human being deserves,” Cuccinelli said in a statement.
Opponents, however, argued that the increased regulations would have the opposite effect and restrict access to those seeking abortions, raising potential constitutional issues.
“This is a sad, sad day for the women of Virginia and our families,” said Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax.
Clinics in Northern Virginia could be shuttered as a result, said Tarina Keene, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia.
“Right now, believe it or not, the most populated area in Virginia does not have an abortion clinic that would meet hospital standards,” Keene said.
Clinics in the area include the Annandale Women and Family Center in Alexandria and Falls Church Healthcare Center in Falls Church.
There are also three Planned Parenthood health centers across the state, including one in Falls Church, that will have trouble meeting the new requirements, said Jessica Honke, director of public policy for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia.
Hospitals in Virginia do not perform first-trimester abortions, but any abortions past the first trimester must take place in a licensed hospital. Abortion clinics in Virginia are currently regulated as outpatient clinics, similar to oral or cosmetic surgery centers.
