BY CHELYEN DAVIS
RICHMOND—A large crowd—estimated by organizers at about 1,000—turned out at the state Capitol on Monday to protest Republican legislation that would define when life begins and require women to get an ultrasound before having an abortion.
Women and men—many wearing shirts with slogans, some with coat hangers to symbolize illegal abortions and one dog wearing a T–shirt that read “I’m not a person and neither is a zygote”—lined the walkways between the General Assembly Building, where legislators’ offices are located, and the Capitol, where legislators must go to hold the daily floor sessions.
The House of Delegates was scheduled to debate a Senate ultrasound bill, but Del. Kathy Byron, sponsor of the House version of the bill, asked to postpone the debate for the day.
The protest was aimed at the ultrasound bill—which could require a transvaginal ultrasound, a procedure that involves a vaginal probe. Opponents say that violates women’s bodies, and that the ultrasound requirement is an unnecessary medical procedure that might not be covered under insurance.
Protesters also targeted the “personhood” bill, which defines life as beginning at conception. Opponents say that could outlaw some forms of contraception.
The protest was silent, but a rally later in the day was not.
Del. Kaye Kory, D–Fairfax, said Republicans are being hypocritical in claiming they are for less government intrusion but then mandating an intrusive medical procedure before an abortion.
In a House floor speech, she warned lawmakers against “the political legacy of this seemingly opportunistic legislative chastity belt.”
She and several other Democratic lawmakers spoke at the rally.
Sen. Barbara Favola, D–Arlington, said the ultrasound bill is “emotional blackmail.”
Del. Charniele Herring, D–Alexandria, encouraged the protesters to keep lobbying lawmakers to oppose the two bills.
“You’re calling people out for what they’re doing,” Herring said. “This is all built to repeal Roe v. Wade. This is laying the groundwork.”
Del. David Englin, D–Alexandria, said the issue is over women’s “fundamental right to control your own reproductive destiny.”
He said Gov. Bob McDonnell “does not have the courage to veto any of these bills.”
Democrats said they don’t have enough votes to stop the bills they find offensive.
Del. Lionel Spruill, D–Chesapeake, said the only way to stop such legislation is “at the ballot box.”
The “personhood” bill, sponsored by Del. Bob Marshall, R–Prince William, has been passed by the House but not yet scheduled for a hearing in the Senate.
Both the House and Senate have passed ultrasound bills; the version that was postponed for debate in the House was the Senate bill. If the House passes it, it will go to McDonnell for his signature.
Chelyen Davis: 804/343-2245
cdavis@freelancestar.com
