McDonnell Signs Amended Ultrasound Bill

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) on Wednesday signed into law a controversial bill that requires women to have abdominal ultrasound exams before undergoing abortions. 

The law, which requires a woman to have an abdominal ultrasound prior to having an abortion, takes effect in July. The bill

The bill has been the subject of controversy, both in jabs from and

The bill was part of a wave of conservative legislation that had previously failed in the General Assembly, but was reintroduced this year when Republicans gained control of both the House and Senate.

Sen. Janet Howell (D-Reston), whose amendment to also mandate rectal exams for men seeking erectile dysfunction medication first drew national attention to this issue, said, “Governor McDonnell is putting his own personal beliefs before Virginia women and is making them go through an unnecessary, costly and intentionally traumatizing medical procedure.”

Other Senate Democrats agreed.

“This is a sad day for women's equality," said Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington) "Today, Virginia joins the most restrictive states in the nation with respect to access to reproductive healthcare services. I fear women will seek back-ally, unsafe abortions because the long arm of the State is now between a woman and her doctor.”