What statutes govern reproductive law in the United States?

In the United States, the laws governing reproductive law vary from state to state. In Virginia, the statutes that oversee reproductive law are the Virginia Code Sections 20-50 to 20-60. These laws provide information on topics such as abortion, contraception, sterilization, and medically assisted reproduction. Section 20-50 defines abortion as the termination of a pregnancy, and provides that a person is not guilty of a violation of Virginia law if the abortion was performed in accordance with the laws of Virginia or in compliance with the laws of another state. It also provides that a person is not guilty of a violation if the abortion was performed with the informed written consent of the pregnant woman. Section 20-51 provides information about contraception, stating that a person who is not a health care provider may not distribute or offer to distribute a contraceptive drug or device, or provide information on the use of a contraceptive drug or device. It also provides that a health care provider may distribute or offer to distribute a contraceptive drug or device, or provide information on the use of a contraceptive drug or device, or prescribe a contraceptive drug or device, based upon a physician’s judgment, including assessment of the physical and mental health of the patient. Section 20-53 provides information on sterilization, including the requirements for consent and the information that must be given to the patient prior to the procedure. It also provides that all patient records shall be kept confidential. Section 20-56 provides information on medically assisted reproduction, including information on donor requirements, the availability of legal counsel, and provisions for the legal recognition of resulting families. The Virginia Code is updated regularly, so individuals should periodically check for changes to the statutes governing reproductive law in Virginia.

What statutes govern reproductive law in the United States?

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