Virginia Backpedals as Abortion Debate Blows Up

Besieged by protests, national outcry among feminists, and even an SNL sketch, Virginia is quickly rethinking its pre-abortion ultrasound bill, with the House of Delegates yesterday again delaying a vote, reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Gov. Bob McDonnell, who had initially promised to sign the measure if it reached his desk, is no longer committed to that, reports the Washington Post, noting that many supporters of the bill weren't aware just how invasive the ultrasounds could be.

McDonnell's staff was scrambling to meet with delegates last night to find a compromise, but right now he'll only promise to "review" the bill if it passes a final vote. "They are freaked out by the reaction it's gotten across the country," says a Fairfax Democrat. (More Virginia stories.)