Virginia House passes controversial anti-abortion bill

The Virginia House of Delegates passed a high-profile anti-abortion bill Wednesday after Republicans backed away from one of its most controversial requirements.

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) backed away Thursday from a controversial proposal to require invasive ultrasounds before women can obtain abortions.

The original bill would have required some women to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound without having to give their consent for the procedure. Republicans offered a substitute that does not mandate the more-invasive procedure.

“Mandating an invasive procedure in order to give informed consent is not a proper role for the state,” McDonnell said in a statement. “No person should be directed to undergo an invasive procedure by the state, without their consent, as a precondition to another medical procedure.”

The House passed the modified bill over objections from some lawmakers who said it is still an infringement on women’s access to legal healthcare procedures.