This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Chipping Away Choice

A pro-choice, pro-family mom speaks against Virginia's amendment requiring ultrasounds for abortions.

I thought about writing something noncontroversial for this month's column—perhaps 99 ways to soothe a fussy baby (I wish I knew!) or Ashburn's unknown toddler artists. But last month, I got angry comments after giving tips for . I was reminded that I can’t make everyone happy all the time, so here's what's on my mind:

What the heck is wrong with this state? Gov. McDonnell just signed what is arguably the most invasive bill we've seen into law. Instead of getting into how this is blatant disrespect and violation of patient rights, I'll focus on what the about the new law: “The women and unborn children of Virginia owe a debt of thanks to [McDonnell] and the General Assembly for supporting this pro-woman law.”

I understand how they're protecting embryos and fetuses. I don't agree, but I understand the logic. What I don't get is how anti-choice people claim this law helps women. At its best, it assumes women are too stupid to know we have a sac with an embryo inside our wombs when pregnant, that we must be shown pictures.

At its worst, it tortures women who have already made a difficult decision, makes the experience far more traumatic, slows down what should be a timely procedure, and costs someone (taxpayers? insurance companies? Who's paying for this anyway?) thousands in needless medical bills.

I'm sick of being told I need to be protected from myself. The government isn’t stepping in to stop battered women from going back to abusive spouses. This is not about women's safety or health. This is about elevating the rights of embryos over the rights of women. And this is wrong.

Author's note: These are my views and this is an opinion column. Patch does not necessarily share my views on this matter.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?