NEWS FLASH

Virginia’s Ultrasound Bill Violates Medical Association’s Guidelines | Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed an unnecessary bill into law yesterday that will require women to receive an ultrasound before having an abortion. The legislature passed an amended version that did not require invasive transvaginal ultrasounds, but it still seems the new law runs counter to guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). As Forbes’ Rick Ungar points out, “According to the ACOG, ultrasonography in pregnancy should be performed only when there is a valid medical indication.” But the Virginia law says an ultrasound is necessary to determine the fetus’ gestational age — not a listed reason from ACOG. Instead of leaving it up to a doctor, the state of Virginia’s new law now dictates what is a required procedure.