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Virginia City Stops Abortion Clinics From Being Near Churches and Schools
Life News ^ | February 18, 2026 | Victoria Cobb

Posted on 02/18/2026 10:54:02 PM PST by Morgana

We have great news to share with you!

Last week, the Lynchburg City Council voted 4–2 to pass a new zoning ordinance that places commonsense limits on where abortion facilities can operate . The measure requires any abortion clinic to stay at least 1,000 feet away from schools, churches, and neighborhoods, and requires a special use permit before any facility can open. This ordinance will go a long way in helping Lynchburg become a

Safe Zone for Life !

This ordinance does not ban abortion, but it ensures that communities have a voice and that vulnerable neighborhoods, families, and children are not forced to live next door to abortion facilities. After nearly five hours of public testimony, the overwhelming majority of speakers supported the ordinance, and hundreds of voicemails poured in, most in favor.

This moment reflects a clear message: when citizens engage, local leaders listen. Pastors spoke, believers showed up, and community members made their voices heard.

Across Virginia, the fight over abortion is intensifying. Efforts are underway to radically expand abortion access through constitutional amendments and policy changes. What happened in Lynchburg is a glimpse of what is possible when people of faith engage—and a reminder of how much work remains.

During the hearing, opponents argued that biblical convictions should not influence public policy, and some claimed this type of ordinance should never be considered at all.

Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 31:8 (ESV):

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.”

That is what took place in Lynchburg, and it is what must continue across our state. Lynchburg followed in the steps of Bedford to become a safe zone for life, and now is the time to encourage other localities to do the same.

Thank you for standing with us, for praying, and for staying engaged. The work continues, and your partnership makes it possible.

LifeNews Note: Victoria Cobb is the president of The Family Foundation, based in Virginia.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; US: Virginia
KEYWORDS: abortion; prolife; virginia
Hope for Virginia?
1 posted on 02/18/2026 10:54:02 PM PST by Morgana
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To: Morgana

Some judge will make them put an abortion clinic in every girl’s locker room.


2 posted on 02/18/2026 10:55:29 PM PST by Steely Tom ([Voter Fraud] == [Civil War])
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To: Morgana

Hopefully (pun intended).


3 posted on 02/18/2026 11:24:41 PM PST by No name given ( Anonymous is who you’ll know me as )
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To: Morgana

The governor and the legislature will pull an all-nighter to stop this. Northern Vriginia won’t stand for commonsense anywhere in the state. What NOVA wants, NOVA gets.


4 posted on 02/19/2026 3:50:53 AM PST by KingLudd
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To: Steely Tom

Make the minimum distance for abortion clinics the same as the minimum distance for firearms. No firearms because you are too close to a school and that represents a danger to children? Abortion is dangerous to children as well, so no abortion clinics within the same radius.


5 posted on 02/19/2026 5:16:03 AM PST by 17th Miss Regt (Fascist, deplorable, and proud of it!)
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To: Morgana

Lynchburg is on the other side of the power city, and is the home of Liberty University and Thomas Road Baptist Church, the Falwell legacy.


6 posted on 02/19/2026 6:29:03 AM PST by WhiteHatBobby0701
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To: Morgana
Wait until the Governor hears about this.
7 posted on 02/19/2026 6:52:05 AM PST by dljordan (Yeah, I'm a Boomer and it's all my fault you whiny little bitch.)
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To: dljordan

Then we’ll see how The Rest of the State is fed up with Washington Consolidation.


8 posted on 02/19/2026 7:24:56 AM PST by WhiteHatBobby0701
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To: Morgana

We’ll take it but 1000 feet is not all the far.


9 posted on 02/19/2026 7:37:28 AM PST by gibsonguy
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To: Morgana

I like this. If you can’t outlaw them, then make them feel back-alley, like strip clubs and condom shops.


10 posted on 02/19/2026 8:56:03 AM PST by Albion Wilde (Yesterday only comes one time. —Sorrells Pickard)
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To: Morgana

I doubt it. The governor will intervene with some order nullifying zoning ordinances that interfere with a woman’s ability to have her preborn child killed. That will be temporary then an abortion provider will bring suit against the city for violating the newly passed law allowing abortion up to birth. Now if the city is a home rule city than the lawsuit will be the likely first step.


11 posted on 02/19/2026 9:43:04 AM PST by lastchance (Cognovit Dominus qui sunt eius.)
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To: Morgana

A Virginia city or Virginia City, Nevada?


12 posted on 02/19/2026 1:11:27 PM PST by lewislynn (If you think Elon Musk is a genius, you haven't seen his "truck".)
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