Lynchburg City Council Passes Abortion Zoning Ordinance

New law restricts locations of abortion clinics near schools, churches, and neighborhoods

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Lynchburg City Council voted 4-2 to adopt a new zoning ordinance that would prohibit abortion clinics from being built within 1,000 feet of schools, churches, or residential areas. The ordinance was proposed by Councilman Martin Misjuns and the Family Foundation. While supporters argued it would protect families and children, opponents claimed it was an unconstitutional misuse of zoning laws.

Why it matters

The ordinance is part of a broader debate over abortion rights and access in Virginia, as the state legislature has voted to let voters decide the future of reproductive healthcare through a constitutional amendment. Critics argue the city council is attempting to preemptively restrict abortion access before the statewide vote.

The details

The new ordinance would effectively ban abortion clinics from operating in most of the city, as the map presented by the Director of Community Development showed only small areas where they would be allowed. Clinics would have to apply for a special use permit to operate. There has been no abortion clinic in Lynchburg since a Planned Parenthood facility left in 2009, and no new clinics have applied to open.

  • The Lynchburg City Council voted on the ordinance on February 13, 2026 after a nearly 5-hour public hearing.
  • The city received 368 voicemails about the ordinance, with 342 in favor and 3 opposed.

The players

Martin Misjuns

Lynchburg City Councilman who proposed the abortion zoning ordinance along with the Family Foundation.

Tom Martin

Lynchburg's Director of Community Development who presented the map showing limited areas where abortion clinics could operate under the new ordinance.

Larry Taylor

Mayor of Lynchburg who called for the vote on the ordinance.

Chris Faraldi

Lynchburg City Councilman who made a substitute motion to remove a line from Misjuns' ordinance that would have allowed Planned Parenthood to operate in the city without oversight.

Sterling Wilder

Lynchburg City Councilman who voted against the ordinance, citing concerns about legal challenges.

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What they’re saying

“Limited the placement of abortion facilities is not about punishing; it is about recognizing that abortion is not healthcare when it ends a life.”

— Alexis Stopley, GEN-Z Turning Point USA member (WSET)

“It does not ban abortion facilities. It doesn't attempt to criminalize or shame anyone. It simply places reasonable limits on where these facilities can operate; away from schools, away from churches and public parks. In other words it asks us to preserve the harmony and the character of our neighborhoods.”

— Mike Morisi, Local Pastor (WSET)

“You can't decide the laws of your city based upon the laws of one person's Bible. Are we going to start going by the Muslim bible? Shall I get out a Koran, shall we go by that. Shall we decide that is how our city is going to run.”

— Lynchburg Resident (WSET)

“This is not neutral zoning policy; this is zoning being used as a tool to impose personal beliefs on an entire city. When zoning shifts from land use to ideology enforcement, that should concern everyone, regardless of your politics or your standing on women's reproductive rights.”

— Jen Staton (WSET)

What’s next

The Virginia Legislature has already voted to let Virginians decide the future of reproductive healthcare through a constitutional amendment in November. The Lynchburg ordinance could face legal challenges before then.

The takeaway

The Lynchburg abortion zoning ordinance highlights the ongoing debate over abortion access and the use of local government powers to restrict reproductive healthcare options, even as the state prepares to let voters have their say on the issue.