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SB 278

Virginia Abortion Care & Gender-Affirming Health Care Protection Act; established, civil penalties.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boysko and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill establishes civil protections for abortion and gender-affirming healthcare access while creating penalties, affecting provider liability and patient rights frameworks statewide.

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Bill Summary · SB 278

Legislative bill overview

SB 278 proposes to establish legal protections and civil penalties related to abortion care and gender-affirming health care services in Virginia. The bill would create a framework—though specific details on the exact penalties and protections are not fully outlined in the provided information—designed to address these two healthcare areas through civil law mechanisms.

Why is this important

This bill addresses two healthcare services that have become increasingly contentious at the state level following the 2022 Supreme Court decision returning abortion regulation to states. The legislation signals Virginia's policy direction on reproductive rights and transgender healthcare access, which directly affects healthcare providers, patients, and insurance frameworks in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of civil penalties: Unclear whether penalties target providers who restrict access, patients who seek care, or entities that interfere with these services—each would have vastly different implications
  • Gender-affirming care definitions: The bill's pairing of abortion and gender-affirming care may attract opposition from those who view these healthcare areas differently, and definitional disputes could limit or expand what services qualify
  • Interstate implications: Protections for Virginia residents seeking care across state lines or providers from out-of-state could conflict with other states' laws, creating legal complexity

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

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