On April 22, 2026, Governor Spanberger signed SB 137 into law. It makes it a criminal offense to injure, intimidate, or interfere with anyone entering or leaving a reproductive health facility — where "interfere with" includes restricting a person's freedom of movement, and where a law enforcement officer may order anyone within 25 feet of a facility entrance to immediately withdraw for up to eight hours. The 25-foot buffer zone, and the broad authority it gives law enforcement to clear that space on demand, puts the ministry of sidewalk counselors directly at risk. Every Senate Democrat voted yes.
Virginia's Democratic-controlled Senate passed SB 137. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed it into law on April 22, 2026. The law makes it a criminal offense to injure, intimidate, or interfere with anyone entering or leaving a reproductive health facility — where "interfere with" is defined as restricting a person's freedom of movement. A law enforcement officer may order anyone within 25 feet of a facility entrance to immediately withdraw for up to eight hours. The law is now in effect across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
What This Law Does
No one should physically block or threaten another person. But for years, women in crisis have been met outside these doors not by protesters, but by people offering real help — connections to pregnancy centers, adoption services, housing support, and hope. That ministry has saved lives. The bill's 25-foot buffer zone, and the broad authority it gives law enforcement to clear that space on demand, puts that practice directly at risk. The bill does state that it places no restriction on the content of any message anyone may wish to communicate. But a message you can only deliver from 25 feet away — or not at all if an officer has issued a withdrawal order — is a message that may not reach the person who needs it most. That is a legitimate concern for religious freedom and protected speech, and it deserves a serious response.
Within 25 feet of a facility entrance, a law enforcement officer may order anyone to immediately withdraw for up to eight hours. The space where counselors have quietly offered hope to women in crisis can be cleared entirely — on demand, for the better part of a day.
SB 137 makes it a criminal offense to injure, intimidate, or interfere with anyone entering or leaving a reproductive health facility — where "interfere with" is defined as restricting a person's freedom of movement.
For years, women in crisis have been met outside these doors not by protesters, but by people offering real help — connections to pregnancy centers, adoption services, housing support, and hope. That ministry has saved lives. Under this law, whether it continues may depend on how a prosecutor reads "impede."
The bill states it places no restriction on the content of any message. But a message you can only deliver from 25 feet away — or not at all under a withdrawal order — is a message that may not reach the person who needs it most. Legal challenges are already expected, but the courts move slowly. The fastest answer is a political one.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." — Proverbs 31:8–9
How It Happened
Filed targeting "obstruction" at abortion facilities — but language sweeps in all peaceful pro-life witness.
Narrowest possible margin sends the bill to the Senate floor.
Every Democrat votes yes. Every Republican votes no. Passes by a single vote.
After passing the House, a joint conference agreement is finalized and approved along party lines.
The law takes effect immediately across all of Virginia.
The Vote Was 21–18 Along Party Lines
Every one of these Virginia State Senators voted for SB 137. Tell them that Virginians who serve women in their most vulnerable moments will not be silenced — and that you are watching what they do next. Find your senator, call their office, and make your voice heard.
The senators who voted for this law need to know that Virginia's Christians are watching — and that we will remember in November. Join thousands of believers making their voices heard right now.
"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those stumbling toward slaughter." — Proverbs 24:11 ⚡ Contact Your Senator Now📢 Spread the Word
Share this campaign with your church, small group, and family. The more who know, the louder the voice.
"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." — Proverbs 29:2 · This is why November 2026 matters.