The whole contraception noise and posturing by the Rethuglicans was designed to cover up these outrageous bills .. and the MSM and liberal blogs were buying into the Rethugs' noise and posturing by giving it air instead of looking behind the curtain and asking why the R's were raising such a stink about a popular contraception plan that was a done deal.

Good on Ed and his guests for bringing this out into the open.

It is outrageous.

The Abortion Wars: The Real People Behind the Restrictions
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2012/02/20-1

Here's an update on Virginia's proposed law mandating an ultrasound examination before an abortion.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 By The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot

RICHMOND -- In the face of widespread public criticism, some General Assembly members say they are working behind the scenes to "soften" a controversial bill that would require women to undergo an ultrasound examination before having an abortion.

Republicans on Tuesday delayed a vote for the second day in a row on SB 484, sponsored by Sen. Jill Vogel, R-Fauquier County. Two legislators -- one a conservative Republican -- speaking on the condition of anonymity, said officials have discussed making the ultrasound legislation optional.

Critics have savaged the bill because it would require most women to have a probe inserted into their vaginas.

Del. Lionell Spruill, D-Chesapeake, told the House that Vogel's bill would "force what I consider a legal rape with an ultrasound probe."

But Lynchburg-area Republican Del. Kathy Byron, who sponsored a House ultrasound bill, said in an interview after the House adjourned that abortion-rights groups and some in the media are distorting the proposed legislation.

Byron said most women in Virginia who have abortions already have ultrasounds. Most abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, require the procedure, she said.

Without an ultrasound, a first-trimester abortion might be performed on a woman who is more than 12 weeks pregnant, she said. That could put the woman's life at risk, she said, because the procedures for late-term abortions are medically different.

"This bill requires that the gestational age is verified and confirmed through an ultrasound," she said. "Without an ultrasound, you're just guessing."

Jessica Honke, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood, confirmed that an ultrasound is part of the group's "standard of care," but added that if a woman insists on not having one, a decision as to whether she can have an abortion "is between her and her doctor." ..

Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah County, the Republican House whip, said the GOP continues to strongly support the bill. A vote was delayed so several contentious bills, including one to relax the state's gun purchasing laws and another to allow adoption agencies to refuse to place children with same-sex couples, could be heard at the same time.

Gov. Bob McDonnell has expressed support for an ultrasound law, but because the bill is in flux, a spokesman for the governor wouldn't commit to a position. "If the General Assembly passes this bill, the governor will review it, in its final form, at that time," McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin said.

Meanwhile, critics of bills to curb abortion rights continue their resistance. Another abortion-rights rally at the Capitol is planned for Thursday, and today, opponents will show their heft by presenting petitions with more than 30,000 signatures against ultrasound and personhood legislation to McDonnell's office.

Ultrasound bill may be revised, sources say
The legislators, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the procedure could be made optional.
http://www.roanoke.com/politics/wb/305200

i thought under John Boner and Eric Cannot it was going to be JOBS JOBS JOBS as the top priority... why did they decide to control women's vaginas and wombs instead?

all men should be forced to undergo a rectal prostate examination.

...I can't get past the fact that there's a person named Krystal Ball walking around out there. Sounds like some vaudeville burlesque performer's stage name.

.
Q U E S T I O N:
How is State sponsored rape NOT a Human Rights crime?

.