Virginia Gov. Signs Bill into Law Requiring an Ultrasound before an Abortion

Aimee Herd : Mar 9, 2012
Ray Daudani – WWBT, NBC 12

"I believe that we become a more compassionate society when we enact reasonable legislation to protect innocent human life." -Gov. Bob McDonnell

(Richmond, VA)—On Thursday, Governor Bob McDonnell signed into law a bill that will require a woman to first receive an abdominal ultrasound before having an abortion.

The measure was hotly contested and protested against by abortion advocates. But, in the end Gov. McDonnell signed it saying, "As difficult as an abortion decision is, the information provided by ultrasounds, along with other information given by the doctor pursuant to current law and prevailing medical practice, can help the mother make a fully informed decision. I consider it important to embrace a culture of life in our Commonwealth, and to protect the life and liberty of all of our citizens." (Photo: WWBT)

According to the WWBT report, the original bill had been amended removing a clause requiring "trans-vaginal ultrasounds." It was also changed to exclude victims of rape or incest.

While pro-abortion groups and even the former governor decried the signing of the bill, prolife organizations hailed Gov. McDonnell's actions.

Students for Life of America's Executive Director, Kristan Hawkins, stated, "Governor Bob McDonnell should be commended for making Virginia the eighth state to ensure that a woman have the necessary information on her unborn baby before choosing to end the life of her child. A mother should always be presented with not only an image of her child via an ultrasound but all the necessary medical and psychological information about abortion."