Virginia sees spike in abortions due to influx of out-of-state patients
Virginia was among the states that saw a substantial increase last year in the number of abortions provided.
That's according to a new report from the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that advocates for access to reproductive care including abortion. The increase is likely due to an influx in patients from states with new or more restrictive abortion bans.
Virginia saw 5,500 more clinician-provided abortions in 2024 than the year before, a 16% increase. That's an outlier compared to the national trend, where there was just a 0.4% increase in states without total bans.
'There was an 86% increase in the number of patients traveling from out of state to Virginia for abortion care between 2023 and 2024, and we think that the Florida ban is likely playing a big role here,' said Guttmacher senior research associate Isabel DoCampo .
Most states without total abortion bans saw small changes to the number of abortions performed between 2023 and 2024. Arizona, California, Kansas, Ohio and Virginia, states that did not change their abortion legislation in the past two years, saw substantial increases. Virginia saw the most significant increase, outpaced nationwide only by Wisconsin, which restored abortion services in the latter half of 2023.
Whooping cough cases are rising again in the US, challenging public health departments
Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety
Measles misinformation is on the rise — and Americans are hearing it, survey finds
States that enshrined Medicaid expansion in their constitutions could be in a bind
What is listeria? Things to know about the bacteria and how to prevent infection.
Virginia is the last state in the Southeast without a ban on abortions after six or 12 weeks of pregnancy — Florida, which previously allowed abortions up to 15 weeks, enacted a six-week ban that took effect May 1, 2024.
'Virginia is the second-closest state for Florida patients to access abortion, and it's the closest place without a waiting period to access abortion,' DoCampo said. 'It's also likely that people in the Southeast who would have traveled for care to Florida are now going to Virginia instead.'
That maps with findings from the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood, which operates clinics in Virginia Beach, Hampton and Richmond.
'Before the Dobbs decision in 2022, the amount of out-of-state patients was 2 to 3% of our entire patient population,' said Planned Parenthood spokesperson Rae Pickett, referencing the Supreme Court decision that stripped away the nation's constitutional protections for abortion . 'After the Dobbs decision, that increased very quickly to 15%. So that was a very large jump. Then, after the six-week abortion ban went into effect in Florida, our numbers went from 15 to 25 to 30% and have stayed there for that period of time.'
Virginia permits abortions during the first and second trimester, or during the third trimester if three physicians agree the pregnancy will lead to the woman's death or substantially harm her health.
VLPP increased same-day and telehealth appointment availability in anticipation of the Florida, as well as the use of patient navigators, who help patients coordinate travel. The Planned Parenthood affiliate operates a virtual clinic via telehealth, but people seeking an abortion pill for up to 11 weeks after their last period must be physically located in Virginia at the time of their appointment, and the medication is mailed to a Virginia address.
'I think the Virginia case shows us that an abortion ban in one place has a dramatic impact on the abortion care infrastructure in other parts of the country,' DoCampo said.
The Virginia Society for Human Life, an anti-abortion advocacy group, described the report as tragic.
'The new numbers suggest a deeply alarming trend,' said Olivia Gans Turner, president of VSHL, in a statement.
Virginia's constitution does not expressly prohibit or protect abortion. That could change: the General Assembly voted this session along party lines to advance a constitutional amendment that would enshrine a right to abortion in the state constitution. If the legislature passes that same resolution next year, the amendment will appear on the ballot for public referendum in 2026.
The state constitutional amendment process excludes input from the governor, but both the Republican and Democrat candidates for governor have taken positions on the issue. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle Sears, the Republican nominee, spoke at Virginia's March for Life earlier this month.
'All those who are for abortion are already born,' she said. 'We stand for life, and how can it ever be wrong to stand for life?'
Former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger previously voted in Congress in favor of codifying the abortion protections offered in Roe v. Wade.
'Virginia is the last bastion in the South when it comes to protecting reproductive freedom — and the consequences of this reality on women and families are clear,' she said in a statement. 'In the aftermath of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, families across the Commonwealth continue to worry that extreme politicians and judges will rip away their right to privacy, jeopardize their safety, and leave their families without access to medical care.'
Kate Seltzer, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com, (757)713-7881
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
41 minutes ago
- CNET
Sleeping Naked Can Keep You Cool, but It Might Not Be Right for Everyone
According to a survey of US adults carried out by mattress outfit Casper a few years ago, almost a third of Americans choose to sleep naked. If you're among that number, you clearly aren't alone. But while sleeping au naturel can be a great way to avoid overheating, it isn't always the great idea that it first seems. The problem is hygiene. There are disadvantages to sleeping naked that you should be aware of, especially if you tend to sweat or have sensitive skin. Below, we'll explain why you might want to rethink your bedtime attire and slip into some pajamas this summer. Also, see how to sleep cool without AC and our favorite sleep accessories for beating the heat. 5 reasons you shouldn't sleep naked When it's sweltering outside, sleeping naked might seem like a great way to cool down. While it can certainly offer relief at the moment, try to keep these things in mind before you disrobe this summer. Read more: Best Mattress Hygiene concerns Every night, your sheets, pillows and mattress collect dust, oil, dead skin and sweat (which is why it's important to clean them regularly). You can't prevent this from happening, but you may be able to slow it down by wearing clothes to bed rather than sleeping naked. However, this build-up can be minimal if good hygiene practices are already followed. CNET Need another hygiene-related reason to cover up at night? According to Dr. Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon based in Michigan, an average person farts up to 25 times per day, and if it happens at night, the expelled fecal material could get onto your sheets. Wearing underwear, he says, can help prevent these particles from spreading to your bed. (An important caveat: Youn notes that gynecologists sometimes advise women to sleep without underwear for their vaginal health. If that applies to you, make sure to follow your doctor's recommendation.) No matter your nighttime clothing preferences, you'll still want to wash your bedding at least every other week. If you sleep naked, it's better to change your sheets weekly. You can also shower at night to keep your bed cleaner, but make sure to dry your hair first, otherwise, it could lead to fungi and bacteria growth on your pillow. It's also essential to take care of your mattress, particularly if you're a nude sleeper. This means thoroughly vacuuming and scrubbing it twice per year and replacing it every decade or so. Temperature You'd think sleeping in your birthday suit would help keep you cooler, but it can actually work against you. Wearing light and breathable pajamas to bed can help wick away and absorb moisture. By sleeping naked, if you sweat, your moisture has nowhere to go but your sheets and mattress, creating a damp and uncomfortable sleeping surface. However, this can vary from person to person depending on the room temperature, humidity and bedding materials. Cooling sheets can also help keep you temperature-neutral and wick away moisture. BasakAllergies and sensitivities When you sleep in the nude, there's no barrier between your body and your bedding, which can cause a quicker build-up of things like dirt, oil and dead skin. This isn't just gross; it can actually cause health problems if you have certain allergies or sensitive skin. Here's why. As you sleep, your body sheds dead skin cells, which attract dust mites that then feed on this dead skin. If you're one of the 20 million Americans who are allergic to these mites, you might notice symptoms like congestion, coughing and sneezing. Also, depending on your bedding, sleeping with your skin directly against your sheets could lead to uncomfortable side effects like rashes and irritation. Sleeping without clothes on certain types of sheets (such as ones made of polyester or other synthetic materials) isn't recommended if you have conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Instead, experts suggest sticking to breathable, natural fabrics (such as cotton and silk). Difficulty getting to sleep For some people, being in the nude can feel awkward and unnatural. If you go to bed without clothes, but being naked isn't comfortable for you, you might have a hard time settling into sleep. As a result, your sleep quality could decline, which could lead to irritation, trouble concentrating and memory issues. Similarly, if you go to bed in uncomfortable clothing, you could also face sleep problems. When picking out bedtime attire, choose whatever puts you at ease, whether that's an old T-shirt, a matching set of pajamas or a nightgown. Your sleep quality can also be impacted by other environmental factors, such as room temperature, noise and light levels. In addition, behavioral factors like the time you go to bed, using the bed for other activities and poor sleep hygiene can also make it more difficult to fall asleep. External factors and exposure Aside from the hygiene risks of sleeping in the nude, there are other practical concerns to consider as well. First, clothes can also act as a protective barrier against hungry spiders and insects. They might not completely stop you from getting bitten, but they provide an extra layer of defense. On a different note, going to bed naked could land you in some uncomfortable situations if you have roommates, live with your children or parents, travel often or sleepwalk. For instance, things could get awkward if you're on your way to the restroom in the middle of the night and unexpectedly run into someone else in the hallway. Even worse, if there's an emergency, you might not have time to get dressed before taking action. That could be potentially awkward or embarrassing, especially if you have to evacuate your home for a fire or other unexpected long; didn't read Going to bed naked might not put you at risk for serious, life-or-death health problems, but it's worth thinking about the risks involved in sleeping nude. Importantly, sleeping without clothes can increase the build-up of dirt and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and make your bed a less hygienic place to sleep. Ultimately, the decision of what to wear to bed is a personal one. If you're more comfortable sleeping without clothes, there's no real harm in continuing to do so, but you should aim to change your sheets every week to keep them free of dirt, dust, sweat and other nasty bedfellows.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Honey Recall Map Shows Warnings Issued to Customers in 7 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced its classification of a recall of certain Comvita honey products, affecting seven states. Comvita, a California-based company, recalled three of its manuka honey products last month as the induction seal was not properly fitted, meaning the product was leaking on the packaging. Newsweek has contacted Comvita outside of regular working hours via email for comment. File photo: a teaspoon with a jar full of honey. File photo: a teaspoon with a jar full of honey. Oliver Berg/dpa via AP Why It Matters Maintaining packaging standards is important as it can make consumers feel more assured that companies have followed regulatory guidance more closely, and ensured their products are properly manufactured and controlled. Given that many Americans are concerned about food safety and food recalls, maintaining standards and regulations are even more important if brands want to establish consumer trust. What To Know The affected products include: Comvita's Manuka Honey + Lion's Mane for Focus (355g), with lot codes 34828522 and 34835584, and expiration dates of January 21, 2026 and February 21, 2026 respectively Comvita's Manuka Honey + Cordyceps for Energy (355g) with lot codes 34828523 and 34835585, and expiration dates of January 22, 2026 and February 25, 2026 respectively Comvita's Manuka Honey + Reishi (355g) with lot codes 34828521 and 34835574, and expiration dates of January 21, 2026 and February 24, 2026 respectively There were 2,730 units sold of each product, to various states including Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Maryland, Florida, California, and Georgia. Comvita initiated the recall on May 23, and the FDA announced its classification of the recall on June 9. The FDA classification of the recall was a Class II, meaning it is a situation "in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote." What People Are Saying Professor Byron Chaves, a professor and food safety extension specialist in the department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, told Newsweek: "An induction seal is a protective seal commonly found on food containers, like jars or bottles, just under the cap. It's created using heat to attach a foil liner to the container's opening, forming a tight, tamper-evident seal. This helps prevent leaks, keeps the product fresh, and shows if the package has been opened." He added: "If an induction seal isn't properly applied, it can lead to leaks, contamination, and reduced shelf life. It also means the package may not show evident signs of tampering, which can raise safety concerns. In some cases, it could lead to regulatory issues or loss of consumer trust if the product appears unsafe or poorly sealed." What Happens Next Consumers are advised not to consume the affected products and return them to the place of purchase for a refund. As of June 9, the recall remains ongoing. The FDA did not specify if any illnesses had been reported in relation to the recall.
Politico
an hour ago
- Politico
Dr. Jay in the hot seat
Presented by Driving the day WHAT TO DO WITH NIH'S UNSPENT FUNDS — President Donald Trump's cuts to ideologically disfavored research have left the National Institutes of Health with unspent funds. Director Jay Bhattacharya, under pressure from critics on Capitol Hill and in the research community, is pledging to change that. 'The biomedical research enterprise is being refocused and that's what will keep America at the forefront of global science, safety, and innovation,' HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement. The administration, Nixon confirmed, has targeted research Trump opposes on issues like transgender health care and health disparities among people of different races. Whether critics are satisfied in the end will depend not only on whether Bhattacharya follows through on his promise, but also on how he decides to spend the money. Thus far, neither he nor anyone in the Trump administration have laid out a detailed plan. By the numbers: A New York Times analysis found that the NIH had spent about $1.6 billion less between the time Trump took office Jan. 20 and the end of April compared to the same period the year before. Bhattacharya told advocates for research last month that he'd spend all of the agency's $48 billion budget for this year by the end of September. In the hot seat: Democrats will get a chance to ask Bhattacharya for more details when he testifies before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee this morning. Thus far, they've focused more on the cuts than on where the money will go, reflecting their view that Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency wanted to slash government spending, not target that spending on different priorities. Trump's budget proposal, released last month, suggested as much with its call for a 40 percent reduction in the NIH's total budget. The NIH is putting $500 million into a universal vaccine, which will target multiple strains of a virus. It also recently solicited proposals for autism research, with $50 million on offer. Last month, when Bhattacharya's boss, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., testified before a House Appropriations subcommittee, ranking Democrat Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut pressed him: 'Are you planning to break the law by impounding congressionally appropriated funds?' Kennedy said no: 'If Congress appropriates me the money, I'm going to spend the money.' WELCOME TO TUESDAY PULSE. I'm Robert King, POLITICO's CMS reporter, filling in for Kelly today. It will be a busy week for health policy wonks as we wait for more news on whether the Senate makes changes to Medicaid in the 'big beautiful bill.' If you have any tips or news, don't hesitate to shoot me a message. Send tips, scoops and general thoughts to rking@ and khooper@ Follow along @rking_19 and @Kelhoops. AROUND THE AGENCIES RFK'S BOLDEST VACCINE STEP YET — HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made his most dramatic move yet to overhaul vaccine approvals, firing all 17 members of the panel that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccines. Kennedy said in an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is rife with conflicts of interest and has acted as a rubber stamp for vaccines. This is the latest step for Kennedy, who has questioned the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, in changing how vaccines are approved and recommended by the federal government. He said in the op-ed that his goal is to restore faith in vaccines. It will now be up to Kennedy to pick new members to serve four-year terms on the panel, which votes on updates to CDC's vaccine schedule. The CDC director can override the recommendation but rarely does. His decision appears to contradict a promise he made to Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to secure the senator's vote for confirmation. Kennedy had promised to maintain ACIP 'without changes,' according to a speech Cassidy made on the Senate floor announcing his support for the nomination. Cassidy responded to the firings, writing on X that 'now the fear is that ACIP will be filled up with people who know nothing about vaccines except suspicion.' He added that he spoke with Kennedy and will continue to speak with him 'to ensure this is not the case.' Cassidy — who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee — later told reporters that the assurance he got from Kennedy was on the ACIP process rather than who sits on the panel. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who voted for Kennedy and sits on HELP, was taken by surprise. 'I don't know who serves on those committees, but it seems to be excessive to ask for everybody's resignations,' she told reporters. Congress TRYING TO STOP MEDICAID CUTS — More than 700 nursing home and assisted living professionals are heading to Capitol Hill this week to push lawmakers to avoid cuts to Medicaid in Republicans' megabill. The nursing home trade group American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living will hold its annual congressional briefing this week. The fly-in day coincides with the last chance for advocates to push lawmakers for changes to the megabill. The group released a survey Monday of 363 nursing homes that found 79 percent were extremely concerned about Medicaid cuts. Another 55 percent would have to reduce their Medicaid patient population. One of the issues is a moratorium on provider taxes. A state can levy a tax on hospitals or other providers to pay for its share of Medicaid, which it jointly funds with the federal government. Under Medicaid, a state can get a higher payment from the federal government if it devotes more of its own resources. A state can use its provider tax revenue to get a higher federal payment and can replace the taxed amount from hospitals or nursing homes through a higher payment rate. The moratorium placed in the megabill, which passed the House last month, enables current provider taxes to continue but freezes any new rates. House Republicans have argued the taxes are a loophole that enable states to get more federal money, but the AHCA argued they are vital to keep nursing homes afloat. 'Restricting provider taxes is restricting resources to seniors and their caregivers,' said Clif Porter, president and CEO of the AHCA, in a statement. White House MCDONALDS, PEPSI HEAD TO WHITE HOUSE — The White House invited nearly 50 food industry and farm groups as well as major companies mentioned in a controversial report on how to Make America Health Again to meet with officials, POLITICO's Grace Yarrow reports. The list of invitees for the series of meetings includes lobbying heavyweights such as the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and American Farm Bureau Federation. Other invitees include soda brands Coca-Cola and Pepsi, as well as fast food representatives McDonald's and Yum! Brands, which own Taco Bell, KFC and others. The meetings are expected to take place this week and next. A May report from the MAHA Commission bashed farm groups for pesticide use. HHS has also called for a ban on sodas in federal nutrition programs. 'We're all very interested to see how these meetings play out over the next week and if it is a meaningful gesture or not,' said one agriculture industry insider. 'Is this just an exercise in placating stakeholders?' WHAT WE'RE READING The Washington Post reports on why Texas is spending millions to research an illegal psychedelic to jumpstart clinical trials. POLITICO's Benjamin Guggenheim reports on how Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo is maneuvering behind closed doors to get his party's massive bill through the chamber. KFF Health News reports on when cannabis users age their health risks appear to grow.
