Blocking people from reproductive health care is a crime in Virginia

In Virginia, it is now a crime to use force, threats of force, or physical obstruction to hurt, scare, or get in the way of someone because they are getting or providing reproductive health care. It is also a crime to damage or destroy a reproductive health care facility, or to try to, because it offers that care. Each offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. The law does not restrict the content of messages inside or outside a facility, so speech alone—including peaceful protest or sidewalk counseling—is not the offense.

You do not need to apply to be protected. The law covers people obtaining or providing reproductive health services and the facilities where that care is offered. It took effect July 1, 2026.

Sen. Stella Pekarsky introduced the bill after safety problems at an Alexandria abortion clinic. Her first version had a buffer zone, but lawmakers narrowed the bill to follow the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act model and reduce the risk of a court challenge. Virginia lawmakers acted after the Trump administration sharply curtailed abortion-related FACE Act cases, reserving them for extraordinary circumstances or cases with serious aggravating factors. Sen. Scott Surovell had introduced a similar bill in 2025, but Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed it. Jamie Lockhart of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia worked with legislators behind the scenes to focus the bill on the FACE Act. The Senate adopted the final version 21–18 along party lines, and the House voted 66–32, with two Republicans joining Democrats. Gov. Abigail Spanberger recommended a wording fix to the bill’s existing free-speech clause and signed it on April 22, 2026.