Virginia Senate panel approves bill to loosen abortion restrictions News
Virginia Senate panel approves bill to loosen abortion restrictions

A Virginia Senate committee on Thursday approved SB 733, legislation to ease abortion restrictions, by a 9-6 vote. A similar bill was advanced in the House Wednesday.

The legislation aims to undo Republican-backed laws in the state. If signed into law, the bill will reverse the 24-hour waiting period and ultrasound and counseling requirements. The Democratic-backed changes do keep the requirement that the physician must obtain informed written consent. The bill also expands on who can perform first trimester abortions.

Leader Herring, who sponsored the bill said, “Today’s vote is a victory for women’s health. We are on our way to reversing nearly 20 years’ worth of anti-choice policies that have made Virginia one of the most hostile places for abortion access.”

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