Requiring a doctor to perform most abortions in Virginia violates the Constitution, a federal judge in Richmond ruled Monday. The decision from U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson is a victory for abortion rights advocates locally and nationally, who have long argued that first-trimester abortions are simple and safe enough to be performed without a physician. It’s the first time a federal judge anywhere in the country has come to that conclusion. The ruling takes effect immediately, Ma said, meaning midwives, nurse practitioners and physician assistants with the proper training can now perform abortions in Virginia. The state of Virginia argued unsuccessfully that there was a medical benefit to having physicians involved in all abortions and that the burden on patients and doctors was small.

Source: Washington Post May 07, 2019 20:18 UTC