Politics & Government

VA Senate Passes Sonogram Bill

Legislation mandates that women seeking abortion must have procedure. Meanwhile, see Sen. Janet Howell's (D-Reston) impassioned speech about gender equity.

The Republican-led Virginia Senate passed a bill Wednesday by a vote of 21-18 that would require women to undergo an ultrasound before having an abortion.

The Senate, which for years had killed similar measures, voted largely along party lines.

The House of Delegates, also heavily Republican,  has passed the bill in previous sessions and is expected to do so again. Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) has said he would sign the measure. To read more details and analysis on the decision, read this story from The Washington Post.

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Senate Democrats said this is another measure aimed at chipping away at a woman's right to choose in Virginia. that would require men to have a rectal exam and a cardiac stress test before obtaining a prescription for erectile dysfunction medication.

Howell's amendment did not pass, but her speech on the floor has garnered national attention from pro-choice supporters. 

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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