The Satanic Temple Expands ‘Religious’ Abortion Services with Second Clinic in Virginia

“Our mission is to expand access and protect bodily autonomy, as abortion rights continue to be a central issue in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, we remain steadfast in our mission to make a lasting difference.” TST said in a press release.

Photo Credits: BBC News

In a move certain to ignite fierce debate, The Satanic Temple (TST) has opened its second telehealth abortion facility, now in the commonwealth of Virginia. The controversial clinic, dubbed the “Right to Your Life Satanic Abortion Clinic,” offers what TST describes as “religious abortion services,” promoting the destruction of unborn babies as part of its so-called “destruction ritual.” Operating 24/7, the facility joins TST’s first clinic in New Mexico as a hub for telehealth abortion services in the United States.

Though TST is not affiliated with the Church of Satan, and despite its name, it is not tied to traditional Satanism. Instead, the group identifies as an activist organization committed to political and societal change. One of its boldest pursuits has been the enshrinement of abortion as a religious right. TST argues that abortion is part of its religious practice and, as such, should be exempt from state restrictions—particularly in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

“Our mission is to expand access and protect bodily autonomy,” TST said in a press release. “As abortion rights continue to be a central issue in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, we remain steadfast in our mission to make a lasting difference.”

The Virginia-based clinic functions primarily as a telehealth dispensary for abortion-inducing pills, allowing women to obtain the medication by mail following virtual consultations with TST staff. This type of service became possible after the Biden administration lifted restrictions on mailing abortion-inducing drugs in 2021, sparking ongoing national debate over the safety of the practice. Critics argue that without direct medical supervision, the risks involved can be severe, even deadly.

In response to these concerns, TST Executive Director Erin Helian defended the clinic’s approach. “Our staff virtually meets with each patient over several online visits to ensure safety, including follow-up meetings. We also urge patients to know where their nearest medical facility is located in the unlikely event of complications,” Helian told The Christian Post. She further asserted, “We do not believe telehealth care puts patients at risk. In fact, we argue that expanding access through telehealth can save lives.”

TST also describes the abortion procedure as part of a “spiritual experience,” framing it within a religious “destruction ritual” meant to instill confidence and self-worth. Preparations for the ritual include reading or listening to stories that advocate for abortion as a means to “subdue any stigmas” that a woman might feel upon entering the clinic.

Despite its supporters, TST’s actions have drawn widespread condemnation from pro-life advocates and religious communities alike. The organization’s provocative methods include mockery, as demonstrated when its New Mexico clinic was named “Samuel Alito’s Mom’s Satanic Abortion Clinic,” an evident jab at Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, who delivered the majority opinion overturning Roe.

With the opening of its second clinic, The Satanic Temple is making it clear that expanding abortion access is one of its core missions, and the organization shows no signs of slowing down. As the country grapples with deepening divisions over abortion rights, TST continues to push the boundaries of what it claims is religious liberty—one telehealth clinic at a time.