yolland
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- Joined
- Aug 27, 2004
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More bullshit "informed decision" euphemisms:
Washington Post, Feb. 1
Washington Post, Feb. 1
The Virginia Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would require women to have an ultrasound before an abortion, the first of several legislative measures this year that are expected to dramatically alter abortion law in the state...Republicans, in control of both chambers for only the second time since the Civil War, are looking to pass a slew of bills in the 60-day session that take on abortion.
The measure passed Wednesday would require a woman to undergo an ultrasound to determine the gestation age of the fetus and be given an opportunity to view the pictures. A woman who refuses to view the ultrasound would have to sign a statement—which would become a part of her medical file—saying she was given the option. The bill also would require the abortion provider to keep a printed copy of the image in the patient’s file.
...The Senate vote came after a lengthy and impassioned argument by Democrats. “I really don’t want to be in the position—as a clinician—where I say you need to have this diagnostic test done and the patient asks me, ‘Doctor, why? Why do I need that done?’ ” said Sen. Ralph Northam (D-Norfolk), a pediatric neurologist. “And I would say, ‘Sir or ma’am, the reason is a group of politicians in Richmond are telling you, you have to have it done.’ That is not our place as a government.’’
[Gov. Robert F. McDonnell's (R)] spokesman Jeff Caldwell said the governor supports the bill “as it provides women considering abortion to have additional information that can help them make an informed decision.’’
Six states have similar laws, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit reproductive-health research center that gathers data on abortions in the United States.