Cross posted from Blue Virginia
The following statement from Progress Virginia sums it up very well: "McDonnell chose to answer the calls of extremists in his own party rather than those of his constituents." In other words, we've gone back to "The Thesis" and "Taliban Bob." So much for "Bob's for Jobs" and that whole "moderate" thing, not that most of us here ever bought it for a minute.
Gov. McDonnell ignores Virginians, signs anti-woman bill opposed by majority
Willfully refused to listen to voices of tens of thousands of Virginians
In response to Governor McDonnell this afternoon signing HB 462, which mandates expensive and medically unnecessary ultrasounds for women seeking an abortion, ProgressVA Executive Director Anna Scholl released the following statement:
“The evidence is stacking up that Bob McDonnell is willfully out of touch with Virginia families. Faced with the opposition of 55% of Virginians, 33,000 petition signatures, and thousands of protestors on Capitol Square, McDonnell chose to answer the calls of extremists in his own party rather than those of his constituents. This move makes clear that Bob McDonnell prioritizes his national political aspirations over the well being of Virginia families.”
Here's McDonnel's crock of @#$@ statement.
Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Signing HB462
RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today after signing HB462.
"The issue of abortion raises passionate feelings among many Virginians, based on one's own views on life and liberty. While debates in the legislature over the decades may seem to indicate there is no common ground to be found on this issue, I believe that areas of agreement can and do exist. Most agree that a woman's decision to seek an abortion is difficult, irreversible and life-altering. Nearly everyone agrees that reducing the number of abortions is a laudable goal. I believe that we become a more compassionate society when we enact reasonable legislation to protect innocent human life.
Women have a right to know all the available medical and legal information surrounding the abortion decision before giving legally effective informed consent. Informed consent is already required prior to an abortion being performed in Virginia, based on the longstanding health care concept that complete information about a medical procedure must be given to a patient before she can freely consent to a procedure. As difficult as an abortion decision is, the information provided by ultrasounds, along with other information given by the doctor pursuant to current law and prevailing medical practice, can help the mother make a fully informed decision.
This bill does not legally alter a woman's ability to make a choice regarding her pregnancy. It does, however, put Virginia in line with 23 other states that have some type of requirement that a woman be offered a view of an ultrasound before an abortion can be performed.
I previously recommended amendments to the legislature to remove any requirement in this bill for a state mandated internal ultrasound procedure, and the General Assembly agreed that amendments were necessary. I do not believe any woman should be required by the state to undergo such an ultrasound, without her consent, as a precondition to another medical procedure. The bill I signed today ensures that will not occur.
As I have for 21 years as a public servant, I consider it important to embrace a culture of life in our Commonwealth, and to protect the life and liberty of all of our citizens. While we sometimes reach different policy conclusions in our great, free nation, let us continue to work together with respect and civility for the common good."
Here's NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia's reaction:
McDonnell Forces Ultrasounds upon Virginia Women Before Abortions
Governor signs HB 462 amid firestorm of controversy
Depsite more than 33,000 petition signatures, four massive protests outside the Capitol, and a barrage of critical national media attention, Governor Bob McDonnell signed HB 462 into law today. HB 462 is a measure that will force Virginia women to undergo an unnecessary and costly ultrasound 24 hours before having an abortion.
"The bill is an unprecedented invasion of privacy and government intrusion into the doctors' offices and living rooms of Virginia women," said Tarina Keene, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia. She continued, "Governor McDonnell's unwillingness to listen to the thousands of women across the Commonwealth who are outraged by this political overreach into their lives shows nothing more than arrogance."
"No one should be forced by Bob McDonnell or the government to undergo a medical procedure against their will. Women should have the option of having an ultrasound, not forced to undergo a completely unnecessary procedure prescribed by politicians instead of doctors," said Keene.
"Governor McDonnell has ignored the will of the people," stated Keene. "Instead of listening to thousands of concerned and reasonable women, he has responded by having them arrested and silenced. Virginia women won't forget."
Here's Tim Kaine's reaction:
TIM KAINE STATEMENT ON SIGNING OF ULTRASOUND BILL
Richmond, VA - Governor Tim Kaine released the following statement in response to the signing of H.B. 462 that requires women to receive an ultrasound before terminating a pregnancy.
"I continue to believe this legislation is bad for Virginia's image, bad for Virginia's businesses and bad for Virginia's women. Our country and our Commonwealth face serious challenges that will require us to put aside our differences and find common ground to create jobs, grow our economy, educate our workforce and tackle our deficit. Deviations into the social debates of the past not only distract from those challenges, but they actually hurt our reputation as a world-class place to do business. As a Senator, I will focus on the issues that matter to families and businesses across Virginia, and I urge legislators at all levels to do the same as we move forward."
Here's super-progressive State Sen. Donald McEachin's reaction:
Senator McEachin Expresses Dismay and Disappointment that Gov. McDonnell Signed the Ultrasound Bill
RICHMOND - Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) today expressed his profound dismay and disappointment that Governor McDonnell signed House Bill 462, the ultrasound bill, into law today. "I am profoundly disappointed and, frankly, shocked that the Governor would show his blatant disrespect for women and his lack of trust in physicians. I have confidence that women recognize the profound decision they are making when faced with this very personal, serious choice and that they will consult their doctors and get the information they believe they need.
"Moreover, I don't believe that the government should insert itself between a doctor and his patient. The governor should not be practicing medicine. Let doctors and their patients determine what medical procedures are necessary," said Senator McEachin.