Black Democrats say it's a reminder of Jim Crow laws that barred black Virginians from voting. The chamber's only black Republican says there's nothing offensive about it. The latest effort to curb abortion rights in Virginia has jumped its first hurdle in Richmond. The bill would punish doctors unless they make a woman wait 24 hours to reflect before having an abortion. Abortion rights advocates say it's insulting to women and doctors.
Parental notification is law in Virginia.
A ban on so-called partial birth abortions awaits Supreme Court review. John Acquaviva teaches health and phys-ed at Roanoke College. Now he answers questions on the internet. Every Monday night people can chat with him, live, by computer. They also e-mail him questions all week.