Virginia Third Trimester Abortion Bill Presented in Committee - Kathy Tran

Virginia Democrat defends bill allowing abortion as woman is giving birth.
Virginia could soon be joining New York in repealing restrictions on abortion, including terminations up until the moment of birth, under the provisions of a bill backed by Governor Ralph Northam and a substantial number of Democratic lawmakers.

The Repeal Act, introduced as HB2491 by Delegate Kathy Tran (D-Springfield), would repeal restrictions on third trimester abortions, allow abortion doctors to self-certify the necessity of late term procedures, eliminate informed consent requirements, repeal abortion clinic health and safety standards, permit late term abortions to be performed in outpatient clinics, remove ultrasound requirements, and eliminate Virginia's 24 hour waiting period.

Tran's Repeal Act received its first subcommittee hearing on Monday, in which the legislation's sponsor confirmed that the bill would apply to controversial late term procedures, similar to the legislation signed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Under questioning from a House subcommittee, Tran said third trimester abortions would face substantially fewer restrictions.