The controversial “Ultrasound Abortion Bill” is now officially law.
WRIC reports, Governor Bob McDonnell signed House Bill 462 Wednesday, requiring any woman who wants to have an abortion in Virginia will have to undergo an abdominal ultrasound first.
Opponents to the bill say it forces women to undergo a medically unnecessary procedure and violates women’s rights.
Governor Bob McDonnell issued a statement after signing the bill.
Excerpts from the full statement are below.
“The issue of abortion raises passionate feelings among many Virginians, based on one’s own views on life and liberty.
While debates in the legislature over the decades may seem to indicate there is no common ground to be found on this issue, I believe that areas of agreement can and do exist. Most agree that a woman’s decision to seek an abortion is difficult, irreversible and life-altering. Nearly everyone agrees that reducing the number of abortions is a laudable goal. I believe that we become a more compassionate society when we enact reasonable legislation to protect innocent human life.”
“As difficult as an abortion decision is, the information provided by ultrasounds, along with other information given by the doctor pursuant to current law and prevailing medical practice, can help the mother make a fully informed decision.”
“This bill does not legally alter a woman’s ability to make a choice regarding her pregnancy. It does, however, put Virginia in line with 23 other states that have some type of requirement that a woman be offered a view of an ultrasound before an abortion can be performed.”
