Virginia House Reverses GOP Backed Abortion Restrictions

The new, Democratically controlled house in the Virginia Legislature has voted to undo Republican backed restrictions on abortions. The house voted Tuesday to reverse requirements that included a 24 hour waiting period before an abortion, as well as a requirement that women seeking an abortion undergo an ultrasound and counseling. The bill would further roll back a requirement that an abortion be provided by a physician, and instead, also allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to perform the abortion. The bill now goes to the Senate, which is set to take a final vote on its version of the legislation in the coming days.