Virginia Society for Human Life applauds the decision of the House of Delegates to pass legislation, which would ensure that all women in the Commonwealth receive basic information prior to making the irrevocable decision of abortion.

"Abortion is a major, life-affecting decision that women in the Commonwealth currently make in an informational vacuum," stated Louise D. Hartz, VSHL President. "A woman who is denied information relevant to her decision is not free to make a meaningful choice," continued Hartz.

Virginia's current informed consent law for abortion states that the abortionist inform the woman of risks, "if any" of the abortion. To allow the abortionist, who has a financial interest at stake, sole discretion about what information to provide violates common sense.

This Woman's Right to Know legislation, patroned by Delegate Robert F. McDonnell (R) of Virginia Beach, with a twenty-four hour reflection period has been upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States. Fifteen states have passed informed consent laws similar to the one being proposed in Virginia. It makes sense. And it makes "choice" more than a political slogan.

The Virginia Society for Human Life is the state affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee.