Lynchburg Regulates Abortion Clinic Locations
The Lynchburg City Council has approved a new zoning ordinance that regulates the locations of abortion clinics. While not directly targeting midwifery, such ordinances can affect the broader ecosystem of reproductive healthcare services and patient access in Virginia.
- The new ordinance amends Lynchburg's zoning to treat abortion clinics differently from other medical facilities. Previously, they were permitted in six zoning districts as "outpatient care clinics"; now, they are a separate category requiring a special conditional-use permit and are no longer permitted by right anywhere in the city. - There are currently no abortion clinics within the city of Lynchburg. This zoning change would therefore apply to any new clinics seeking to open. - The ordinance imposes significant land-use restrictions, prohibiting abortion clinics within 1,000 feet of residential districts, places of worship, schools, and public parks. This severely limits the possible locations for any future clinic. - This local-level zoning strategy to curtail abortion access is being implemented by other Virginia localities since the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. - In Virginia, abortion is legal through the second trimester. Third-trimester abortions are permitted only in specific cases to save the life or health of the mother. - The state has seen a significant increase in the number of abortions provided since the *Dobbs* decision, as it has become an access point for people from states with more restrictive laws. - Virginia law regulates the practice of midwifery and requires licensure. Licensed Certified Midwives who have practiced for less than 1,000 hours must have a practice agreement with a physician or an independent practice midwife for consultation. - While Virginia's laws regarding reproductive care became more permissive in 2020, a study noted that local zoning restrictions can create barriers to establishing and maintaining facilities for abortion care.
