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News briefs The talent show is rescheduled for Fri., Mar. 16 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium tickets will be $5.
'Ultrasound Law' Signed By Governor Bill passed requiring ultrasound before performing abortion Olivia Tritschler trn editor
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he controversial topic of abortion used to only be whispered behind closed doors, but since the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that abortion is legal, movements have been spurred into action. According to the www.newsleader. com, representatives in the Virginia General Assembly postponed for a year passing a bill defining personhood first introduced by delegate Robert G. Marshall back in Nov. 21, 2011. It defines personhood as all unborn children during all stages of development, who have all the rights and protections every citizen has under state and national law. “Lots of conservatives believe life begins at conception. Therefore they believe abortion is killing a person. It goes against their whole moral values to abort a child, a baby,” government teacher Louise Thornton said. “They believe that the fetus has the same rights as a person who is born.” Another bill dealing with abortion was just signed into law on Mar. 7, by Governor Bob McDonnell. The HB 462 bill was
started by Delegate Kathy J. Byron. This new law states that an ultrasound must be administered if a woman is thinking about getting an abortion. “I very much agree with both,” senior Rachel Coleman said. “The beginning of life and the cells multiplying is a living being. An ultrasound gives her [the mother] a clear view of what she is doing, so she is not misinformed.” The Virginia General Assembly has two houses, the House of Delegates and the Senate. Both the House and Senate represent VA districts, with the senatorial districts being larger. The state legislature is set up in a similar way as the national legislature, and the bills have to be researched, debated, and voted on in the same way. “It had to be introduced, go through committees, and then voted on in the floor of the House of Delegates,” Thornton said. “It must go through the Senate. Ultimately it will go to the Governor for his signature, but he can recommend attachments and it will go back to both houses.” Both sides have gained influence through interest groups in recent years. The pro-life include National Right to Life and Operation Rescue with their opposition being Planned Parenthood and Abortion Rights Action League. “In 1973, the Roe v. Wade decision came out and it surprised lots of people. At that time people against abortion began to mobilize. They formed interest groups like National Right to Life and they have worked to elect presidents
Republican Governor Bob McDonnell answers reporters’ questions on Fri., Mar. 9. Earlier on Wed., Mar 7, McDonnell signed into law a bill requiring women to undergo an ultrasound before having an abortion. Photo by Wayne Epps, Jr. who are pro-life. They also have used the grassroot movement to elect congressmen to state legislatures,” Thornton said. “At the same time the pro-choice people are doing the same thing. Abortion is an issue that is going to polarize the nation because people have strong views on both sides and both think they are right.” At times, protest tactics reached extremes with protesters attacking abortion doctors and clinics. While these bad images are associated with certain pro-life interest groups, there are groups and individuals that support the same cause but without the violence. Coleman is involved in her church with supporting their beliefs. “We do not do big rallies or protest on it, but we are very open about our views,” Coleman said. “We are not ashamed about it.” Opinions on abortion vary even within the Republican and Democratic parties, but the movement is gaining momentum across the nation. “My parents from a young age informed me of there being a certain sacredness to life,” Coleman said. “I would prefer abortions not being legal, but I’m definitely against it being paid for by government funds.”
The Annual Dodgeball Tournament will be held on Mar. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the gym. Teams must have 8 members and the entry fee is $40. You can pick up an entry form in A-faculty from Mr. Pelter or Mrs. Lee After Prom tickets will be on sale Mar. 14, 15, and 16 during all lunch blocks. You do not have to go to Prom to go to the After Prom. PGHS 3rd Annual Car Show will be held on Mar. 24. Forms can be picked up in the main office. Student entries are only $10. NHS Volunteers are needed on March 24 for the 3rd Annual Prince George High School After Prom Party Car Show. Scan code to see more breaking news on www.trnwired.org