A federal judge handed pro-choice groups a major loss Monday by upholding multiple restrictions on abortion clinics, including a requirement that pregnant women receive an ultrasound 24 hours before obtaining an abortion and a stipulation that only physicians perform the procedure.
U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, who was nominated by President George W. Bush, also struck down two clinic requirements, including one that requires second-trimester abortions be performed in a hospital.
Despite the mixed ruling, pro-life groups expressed satisfaction. Hudson’s decision said the state has a legitimate interest in promoting childbirth over abortion.
Virginia Society for Human Life (VSHL) said it was “pleased” with the decision.
“Each one of these laws protects women and their babies,” the pro-life organization said in a statement. “VSHL knows that laws like the Ultrasound requirement and 24-hour waiting period provide women with critical information about their unborn child and time to reconsider the irreversible decision they might be about to make for themselves and their child.”
Pro-choice groups, though, criticized the ruling. The lawsuit was brought by abortion clinics, including the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood.
“We’re disappointed that our patients did not get their constitutionally-protected right to…
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