Pending the governor’s signature, which he’s indicated will not be denied, Virginia will become the seventh state to mandate ultrasounds prior to an abortion.  This does not just mean that the vast majority of women seeking abortion are then required to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound.  This also means doctors are required to perform them, regardless of whether they think it necessary or best practice.  As one delegate said (in this earlier story), “This is the first time, if we pass this bill, that we will be dictating a medical procedure to a physician.”

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