Virginia Senate Clears Scaled-Back Ultrasound Bill

Virginia moved a big step closer today toward a law that would require women to get an ultrasound before an abortion. The Virginia Senate passed the measure, with an exception for victims of rape or incest, reports the Richmond Times Dispatch. The ultrasound would be external, not the "transvaginal" kind that caused state lawmakers to come under heavy scorn and even ridicule last week, notes the Washington Post. The state House is expected to approve the modified measure next and send it to Gov. Bob McDonnell for his promised signature.

• Family Foundation of Virginia: “We are pleased that the state Senate today finally passed an ultrasound bill that provides medically accurate information through modern technology to a woman seeking an abortion."
• Virginia Planned Parenthood: "Despite the unprecedented public outcry over the past few days, the Virginia Senate has voted to erect new barriers for women seeking their constitutional protected right to terminate a pregnancy."

(More Virginia stories.)