VA House Drops Invasive Ultrasound Law

Virginia’s state House passed a revised measure on its controversial ultrasound bill Wednesday, after Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell said he didn’t support a law that required an invasive procedure. The new law mandates an external ultrasound before abortion, but doesn’t require a transvaginal ultrasound. McDonnell had previously indicated his support for the more invasive legislation, but backed down on Wednesday. “No person should be directed to undergo an invasive procedure by the state, without their consent, as a precondition to another medical procedure,” McDonnell said in a statement.