Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia issued a press release stating that he no longer supports the bill which would make an ultrasound via vaginal probe a prerequisite for having an abortion. This change of heart comes after intense criticism of the bill from women's health groups and the public at large. Many have equated the forced vaginal probe with rape and it seems the Governor is beginning to see their point.
"Mandating an invasive procedure in order to give informed consent is not a proper role for the state. No person should be directed to undergo an invasive procedure by the state, without their consent, as a precondition to another medical procedure," Governor McDonnell stated in his release.
Prior to the national uproar, the staunchly pro-life Governor McDonnell openly supported the bill, saying that it was a "sure thing" as far as he was concerned. This reversal could be at least partly due to the fact that McDonnell's name has been floated for Vice President and signing off on a massively unpopular bill would surely block such an opportunity.
The House of Delegates passed a revised version of the bill which still requires a (non-invasive) ultrasound. The amended bill will now pass back to the Senate for a vote.
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