Virginia has some of the nation's most restrictive abortion laws.
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2013 study by the Guttmacher Institute for NARAL Pro-Choice America ranked Virginia at No. 9 in the nation in terms of restrictions. By contrast, the nearby state of West Virginia came in at No. 30 in the same study while North Carolina came in at No. 25.
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Oklahoma was reported to have the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation, while Oregon had the least restrictive.
Women seeking an abortion in Virginia must undergo counseling and then a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion. They must also have an ultrasound 24 hours before the abortion.
In Virginia, first trimester abortions are legal, second trimester abortions must be performed in a hospital, and abortions in the third trimester can only occur if the mother's life is in danger.
Minors in Virginia who want abortions must obtain consent for the procedure from one of their parents, a grandparent, or an adult sibling who lives within the same home,
according to Planned Parenthood. Also, one of those adults must be notified 24 hours before the minor's abortion takes place.
NARAL Pro-Choice America noted that 92 percent of Virginia counties had no abortion clinic.
Americans United for Life ranked Virginia 14th in the nation, noting that the state "provides fairly comprehensive protection for women, the unborn, and newly born." West Virginia was ranked 33rd while North Carolina was ranked No. 21.
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