(Commentary by Lois Shepherd, UVA co-director of studies in reproductive ethics and justice) Some laws directly delay abortion, like mandatory counseling and waiting periods. Some are less direct, placing unnecessary and expensive regulations on clinics in an effort to close them down. These obstacles do not ultimately deter most abortions. They are just delayed. But delays mean a more developed fetus that starts looking more like a baby. That makes abortion morally more difficult for the pregnant person, for the providers, for everyone. It also makes the abortion riskier.