Virginia Considers Compromise on Anti-Choice Measures
Virginia’s House of Delegates announced it will put off voting on a controversial forced ultrasound bill, to the relief of thousands of choice advocates who stood outside in protest. The bill would force women to undergo an invasive pelvic ultrasound and then endure a 24-hour wait period prior to abortion procedures. These two barriers would be applied in addition to the state’s existing 24-hour wait period, doubling the time women must wait.
The state Senate already passed the extreme measure in a vote of 21-18, but the House backpedaled on the scheduled debate and vote, indicating the chamber’s Republican majority is reconsidering the invasive bill. A recent poll in Virginia by revealed that 55% of Virginia voters polled oppose the ultrasound measure, and over 25,000 individuals signed a petition opposing another piece of anti-choice legislation, personhood.
State officials quietly indicated that the House might compromise on the bill, possibly repealing the mandatory statue in favor of making it ‘optional.’ The bill’s constitutional issues are numerous, and choice advocates question whether the financially taxing ultrasound legislation imposes on health provider’s First Amendment right, freedom of speech.
