BY WESLEY P. HESTER

After a passionate debate, legislation to require women to undergo ultrasounds before abortion passed the state’s House of Delegates Monday on a 63-36 vote.

Democrats pleaded with Republicans to reconsider support of House Bill 462, sponsored by Del. Kathy J. Byron, R-Campbell, claiming that it mandates an invasive procedure and is intended to discourage abortion.

Republicans contend that the bill merely presents a woman the full information for the procedure which she is about to undergo.

“People on the other side of the issue never talk about the issue of the invasiveness to the unborn,” said Del. C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah. “In the vast majority of these cases, these are matters of lifestyle convenience.”

Gilbert added: “This is a common procedure employed by Planned Parenthood prior to conducting abortion procedures.”

Del. Joseph D. Morrissey, D-Henrico, who is pro-life, argued vehemently against the bill.

“It involves government in something that only should involve God and family and doctor,” he said.  

Morrissey was twice admonished for blasting Republicans for what he called their “disingenuous” arguments in support of the legislation.  

Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford, asked Morrissey “not to attack testimony from another member of this House.”

Howell added: “You’ve done this time and time again, and we’re not going to put up with it.”