The Virginia State Senate approved legislation that would require a woman to undergo an ultrasound before an abortion Monday, The Virginian-Pilot reported. State Senator Janet Howell (D-32) attempted to add a rider which would add “a little gender equality” to the measure, An addition that would require men to undergo a rectal exam and a cardiac stress test before getting prescriptions for erectile dysfunction pills. Howell introduced the rider after feeling “quite distressed and angry” after leaving a committee meeting last week. “I said, it’s only fair, that if we’re going to subject women to unnecessary procedures, and we’re going to subject doctors to having to do things they don’t think is medically advisory, well, Mr. President, I think we should have a little gender equity.”
