WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 137

Obstructing health care facility access; penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stella Pekarsky

SB 137 criminalizes obstructing health care facility access with penalties ranging from misdemeanor to felony charges depending on severity and repeat offenses.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB137)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 137

Legislative bill overview

SB 137 establishes criminal penalties for obstructing or impeding access to health care facilities in Virginia. The bill criminalizes conduct that blocks, physically prevents, or otherwise interferes with individuals' ability to enter, exit, or use health care facilities, with graduated penalties based on severity and repeat offenses.

Why is this important

This legislation directly addresses access to reproductive health services, particularly abortion clinics, where protesters have historically created barriers to entry. The bill balances First Amendment concerns with statutory protections for patients seeking medical care and health care workers performing their duties.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment tension: Distinguishing between protected protest/speech and criminal obstruction; concerns that the law could be applied overly broadly to peaceful demonstrators exercising free expression rights
  • Enforcement clarity: Ambiguity about what constitutes "obstruction"—whether blocking doorways, chanting near entrances, or displaying signs crosses into criminal conduct, and how law enforcement will consistently apply standards
  • Reproductive rights framing: Conservative opposition to language seen as protecting abortion access specifically, versus progressive support for patient privacy and medical autonomy; debate over whether bill targets legitimate political activism

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.