Virginia Senate Bill SB193

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/26
• Refer: 1/9/26

Caption

<p class=ldtitle>A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 54.1-2915 and 54.1-3007 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 32.1 a section numbered 32.1-137.012, relating to unregulated pregnancy clinics; unprofessional conduct of medical providers.</p>

Impact

The proposed bill amends existing laws in the Code of Virginia by introducing a new section that directly addresses the issue of unregulated clinics. This change is expected to strengthen regulations around medical practice, ensuring that patients receive care from licensed professionals. The bill also aims to prevent unauthorized practice of medicine at these facilities, addressing safety concerns and enhancing patient protection.

Summary

Senate Bill 193 aims to regulate unregulated pregnancy clinics in Virginia specifically by mandating that such clinics must operate under the supervision of qualified medical providers. The bill outlines requirements for these clinics to disclose the medical provider's details to clients and ensures that penalties are imposed for non-compliance. This legislative move is seen as an attempt to increase accountability in a sector that often lacks oversight, particularly around the provision of pregnancy-related medical care.

Contention

As with many healthcare-related legislative efforts, SB193 has sparked debate. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to protect women seeking pregnancy-related care from potentially unsafe practices at unregulated clinics. Critics, however, may argue that this bill imposes overly burdensome regulations that could restrict access to care. The civil penalties for violations are also a point of contention, as some believe they could lead to unjust repercussions for clinics serving low-income populations or those trying to operate within limited means.