Democratic Sen. Colgan Votes With Republicans on Ultrasound Bill

Manassas Park Senator and long-time Democrat voted with Republicans to pass an amended form of an hotly-debated bill that would require women to undergo external ultrasounds before abortions, according to a Washington Post report .

The 21-19 vote in the Virginia Senate came after after it became apparent that a more invasive, vaginal ultrasound would be necessary in many situations because many abortions are done in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Some lawmakers said they voted in a favor of an earlier version of the bill because they didn't yet understand that it would require vaginal ultrasounds, according to the Feb. 21 Washington Post article. 

Women who have reported cases of rape or incest to law enforcement would be exempt from the provisions of the bill, but women who are expecting children with birth defects, are not, according to the report.

Phillip P. Puckett of Russell, a Democrat, also voted with Republicans while Republican Sen. John C. Watkins of Chesterfield voted against the bill with the majority of Democrats.

The bill is expected to head back to the Virginia House of Delegates for approval.