May 2020 – Virginia lawmakers have passed legislation that allows physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified midwives to perform abortions. The Virginia Senate passed HB 980 on February 24, with Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D) breaking a 20-20 tie. At press time, the bill was expected to be signed into law by pro-abortion Gov. Ralph Northam (D). Once signed into law, it will remove previous restrictions surrounding abortion in Virginia, such as the mandatory 24-hour waiting period after a counseling session before abortion may be performed. The law will also nullify the requirement for a counseling session.
