Mandatory Wait for Abortion Advances

The Virginia Senate passed a bill to require women seeking abortions to wait 24 hours after seeing a doctor before the procedure can be performed. The measure has passed the state House, and Gov. James S. Gilmore has said he will sign it into law.

Supporters said it would not restrict a woman’s choice but rather would provide her with a right to fully understand what abortion means. The “informed consent” bill also requires that doctors offer to show patients pictures of fetal development and provide other information. Opponents predict women will leave the state for abortions.