Virginia’s Waiting Period, Physician-Only Abortion Laws Upheld

A Virginia provision requiring a mandatory ultrasound and 24-hour waiting period before an abortion, as well as a restriction mandating that only physicians can perform abortions are valid, a federal court in Virginia said.

Neither provision presents a substantial obstacle to women’s access to abortion care, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia said Sept. 30, following a eight-day bench trial before Judge Henry E. Hudson.

The waiting period, while adding “logistical” complications for some women, advances the state’s interest in protecting life and isn’t unduly burdensome, the court said.

And, while the evidence showed advanced practice ...