Virginia passes law protecting abortion access in first two trimesters

Virginia has voted to pass legislation guaranteeing the right to abortion during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, according to the Associated Press. The bill also ensures abortion access to protect the life and health of pregnant women. The legislation comes after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the national right to abortion in 2022, delegating authority over abortion policy to individual states. This vote establishes Virginia's specific guidelines within that new framework. The decision reflects the ongoing state-level battles over abortion rights across the country following the Supreme Court's ruling. Virginia's move secures broader access compared to several other states that have enacted restrictive measures.