The South's Increasingly Stringent Abortion Bans.

As North and South Carolina move to tighten abortion restrictions, Virginia is poised to become the only state in the region to allow abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy. The latest restrictions are expected to force even more out-of-state patients to seek abortions in Virginia, putting pressure on already strained in-state abortion providers. Planned Parenthood and Whole Woman's Health are preparing for an influx of patients seeking their services. Virginia currently allows abortions in the first and second trimesters, while also allowing them in the third trimester if at least three doctors certify that the woman's health is at risk.