Some states require a waiting period – a delay of hours or days – before a pregnant person can have an abortion in that state.
**Virginia does not require you to go through a waiting period before getting an abortion.**
**If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must give you permission to get an abortion.** If getting the permission of a parent or legal guardian is not an option for you, you can seek a judicial bypass. A judicial bypass allows you to waive the requirement for parental involvement. If you're a minor who would like help navigating the judicial bypass process, contact the If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline. To contact the Helpline, call [844-868-2812](tel:844-868-2812) or [submit a request online](https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org/contact-the-helpline/).
Abortion in Virginia is banned after 27 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy.
**Exceptions that may allow you to get an abortion in Virginia after 27 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy**
* To save the pregnant person's life
* To preserve the pregnant person's general health (can include mental health)
