Virginia passes ultrasound, 'personhood' bills

A House Republican supermajority has passed two of the most restrictive anti-abortion bills in years despite objections from Democrats.

Del. Bob Marshall's House Bill 1 would effectively outlaw all Virginia abortions by declaring that the rights of persons apply from the moment sperm and egg unite. It passed Tuesday on a vote of 66-32.

Opponents called the measure draconian, noting that voters in Mississippi last fall resoundingly rejected adding a "personhood amendment" to their state constitution. Marshall called opponents alarmists.

On a 63-36 vote, the House passed a bill that requires women to have a transvaginal ultrasound before undergoing abortions.

Democratic Del. Charnielle Herring said it literally mandates invasive probes of women.