Sunday, April 14, 2013
Supporters hail move; critics say the changes would force many clinics in the state that offer the procedure to shut down.
- GOVERNMENT
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Sunday, April 14
By Dana Carlson Capital News Service RICHMOND – The Virginia Board of Health voted Friday to require abortion clinics to meet hospital building-code standards – rules that abortion rights activists said would force many of the state’s 20 clinics to close. Abortion rights advocates responded to the board’s 11-2 vote by singing and waving signs. Security guards escorted the protesters, including Jeff Winder of the group Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers, out of the meeting room at Perimeter Center in Henrico County. “This is a sham,” Winder earlier told the board. “We pretend we are participating in a democratic process. You have caved in to the right-wing agenda of Ken Cuccinelli.” Last summer, Cuccinelli, the state attorney …
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Virginia's legislature passed an amendment prohibiting some insurance companies from providing abortion coverage.
This week, Virginia’s legislature approved a measure by Gov. Bob McDonnell that prohibits certain health insurance companies from providing coverage for women seeking an abortion. The exceptions to the insurance coverage rule are in cases of rape, incest or if the mother’s life is in danger. While the new Virginia legislation isn’t as restrictive of abortions as recent legislation passed in North Dakota and Alabama, critics are concerned about the financial effect the legislation may have on a woman’s decision. Sen. Mark Herring (D-Loudoun) said, “Women should be able to make decisions about their own health care without interference from politicians here in the state Capitol.” The Virginia Society for Human Life, an anti-abortion group, …
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The vote divided Loudoun's delegation to the General Assembly, and not just along party lines.
By Mark Robinson Capital News Service The General Assembly on Wednesday narrowly approved an amendment by Gov. Bob McDonnell that will prohibit certain health insurance companies in Virginia from providing coverage for women seeking an abortion. McDonnell added the anti-abortion amendment to House Bill 1900, sponsored by Delegate Thomas Davis Rust (R-86)), who ultimately voted against it. The assembly passed the bill in February to comply with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Under the system, Virginians who cannot afford health insurance will participate in a federally operated health insurance exchange. McDonnell’s amendment will prohibit insurers participating in the exchange from covering abortion except in the …
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
On 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Leesburg State Sen. Mark Herring also moves to repeal 2011 bill on women's rights, speaks at abortion rights rally.
- NEWS
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Wednesday, January 23
By Katherine Johnson Capital News Service As he joined abortion rights supporters on the state Capitol grounds Tuesday to mark the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, State Sen. Mark Herring (D-Loudoun) looked ahead to the future of women’s rights in Virginia with a bill he hopes will repeal Targeted Regulations Against Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws enacted in 2011. A crowd of a few hundred gathered to listen to Virginia legislators in support of women’s rights on the anniversary of the the landmark case that decided a woman’s right to privacy includes the right to have an abortion. Among them: Herring and fellow Democratic Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31st), whose district includes Great Falls and Potomac Falls …
Monday, March 19, 2012
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 having fun on a day off. 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 Virginia Society for Human Life says about the new law: “The women and unborn children of Virginia owe a debt of thanks to [McDonnell] and the General Assembly for …
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Amended version of the bill requiring transabdominal imaging prior to an abortion becomes law in Virginia.
- GOVERNMENT
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Thursday, March 8, 2012
By Michael Bodine Capital News Service RICHMOND – Gov. Bob McDonnell has signed the much-debated bill that requires ultrasound testing before abortions into law. The bill, proposed by Delegate Kathy Byron (R-Lynchburg) has been among the most hotly contested social issues in this year’s General Assembly. It even sparked national criticism and became a hot topic for late night comedians. McDonnell signed House Bill 462 into law on Wednesday. Because the measure was amended multiple times, it first had to endure two votes from each house of the General Assembly this session. After signing the legislation, McDonnell issued a statement that acknowledged both sides of the mandatory-ultrasound debate. He also stated why he saw it as a necessary …
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Legislation now goes back to House for another vote before heading back to the governor's desk.
- GOVERNMENT
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
By Michael Bodine Capital News Service RICHMOND – The Virginia Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that will require any woman seeking an abortion to undergo a mandatory ultrasound examination. House Bill 462 has been the focus of extensive debate during this year’s General Assembly. It even fell victim to national ridicule last week before being amended on the recommendation of Gov. Bob McDonnell. Rather than require a transvaginal ultrasound to determine gestational age, the Republican governor asked legislators to mandate only a transabdominal procedure. After complying with the governor’s amendments, HB 462, which was sponsored by Delegate Kathy Byron (R-Lynchburg), passed the Senate Tuesday on a 21-19 vote. It will be sent with its …
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Governor calls on legislators to require only transabdominal ultrasound procedures for women seeking abortions, not internal probe.
Momentum still appears to be rolling forward for a bill that would require women to receive an ultrasound prior to having an abortion. However, yesterday, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) backed off of the part of the bill that appeared to cause the most backlash: the requirement for an invasive transvaginal ultrasound. Instead, McDonnell has asked legislators to change the bill so that it requires a transabdominal ultrasound only. The idea behind the bill partisan bill is that such an ultrasound provides a woman a better opportunity to make an informed medical decision. “No person should be directed to undergo an invasive procedure by the state, without their consent, as a precondition to another medical procedure,” McDonnell wrote in a statement …
Friday, February 3, 2012
Loudoun Senate delegation splits on bill to require procedure prior to receiving an abortion.
RICHMOND (Capital News Service) – The Virginia Senate has passed a bill requiring the use of ultrasound testing prior to the performance of an abortion. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel (R-Winchester) now goes to the House of Delegates. If passed – a likely prospect in the Republican-controlled House – the measure will be sent to Gov. Bob McDonnell to be signed into law. The Senate voted 21-18 in favor of Senate Bill 484 on Wednesday. The bill would require the use of ultrasound testing before an abortion. The woman would then have the option to view the sonograms before terminating her pregnancy. Loudoun’s delegation to the Senate split on the vote along party lines, with Sen. Richard H. Black (R-13) supporting Vogel’s bill…
Jackieh
11:51 am on Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Sure we are...maybe vasectomies too. These are the old white men making rules for the women of Virginia. We ladies have to rebel and make sure we throw them out of office. And make sure Ken Cooch doesn't get elected. He makes Trans Vaginal Probe Bob look like a flaming liberal. more ›