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Virginia Senate Approves Repealing Abortion Restrictions

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Senate has approved legislation that would undo abortion restrictions put in place when Republicans controlled the legislature.

The new Democratic majority voted on Wednesday to roll back provisions including a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion and a requirement that women undergo an ultrasound and counseling.

The 20-20 vote came after about an hour of debate. Sen. Joe Morrissey split with fellow Democrats and joined all the chamber's Republicans in voting against the measure.

Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who presides over the Senate, broke the tie. The House has passed a similar measure. Each chamber still must pass the other's version.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.