RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - A bill that would require women to undergo an ultrasound prior to having an abortion was passed by the Virginia Senate Tuesday afternoon by a vote of 21-19. [Read the bill]
The original version of the bill required any woman seeking an abortion first be required by law to receive a transvaginal ultrasound to determine gestation age.
However, after pressure from Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, the bill was amended to require women have a less invasive external abdominal ultrasound instead.
The bill was further amended to exclude abortions performed in cases of rape or incest.
"This is a significant blow for Virginia women, who have a constitutional right to control their own bodies and their own reproductive decisions," Del. Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria) said in a statement released following the vote.
"I am deeply saddened that Republicans in Richmond did not listen to the tens of thousands of concerned voices across the Commonwealth who wanted government out of their bedrooms and physician's offices. Massive protests and national media attention apparently still preclude the Virginia GOP from doing what is right."
This is a developing story.
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