Virginia Changes Mind On Forced Invasive Ultrasound
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Jon Stewart and "The Daily Show" on Tuesday night became the latest to satirize a measure pending in Virginia's legislature that would require women to undergo an ultrasound before having an abortion.
The House of Delegates has twice delayed votes on the Senate's version of the requirement and is expected to again consider it today.
In most cases, the ultrasound would have to be performed vaginally because the procedure is performed in the first trimester.
That has led to fierce opposition from women's rights advocates, who say the requirement is wildly invasive.
Del. Charniele L. Herring, D-Alexandria, and others have characterized the legislation as "state-sponsored rape."
The proposal has been skewered nightly this week on MSNBC and "Saturday Night Live" lampooned the measure over the weekend.
If approved, the bill is on to Gov. Bob McDonnell, whose position on the issue is in flux.
Last month, McDonnell indicated support for the concept on a radio show but more recently has said through a spokesman that he'll consider the bill's language if it reaches his desk.
McDonnell this morning declined to answer questions about the ultrasound measure after he held a news conference on an unrelated measure.
He would only tell reporters that he is concerned about the state budget. The Senate spending plan could face a stalemate Thursday in that chamber, which is divided with 20 Democrats and 20 Republicans. The state constitution bars a lieutenant governor from breaking a tie vote on the budget.
Meanwhile, rumors are swirling at the state Capitol that efforts are afoot within the House Republican Caucus to soften the legislation by making the ultrasound voluntary rather than required.
This morning, several groups supporting women's rights delivered a petition signed by more than 33,000 Virginians to McDonnell's office.
PM.. A Turn Around
After Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said he opposed requiring women to undergo an invasive ultrasound before having an abortion, the state House today passed a revised measure that still mandates an ultrasound but makes the transvaginal procedure optional.
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