BY WESLEY P. HESTER

Jon Stewart and “The Daily Show” on Tuesday night became the latest to satirize a pending measure in Virginia’s legislature that would require women to undergo an ultrasound before having an abortion.

In most cases, the ultrasound would have to be performed vaginally because the procedure is performed in the first trimester.

That has led many to fierce opposition from women’s rights advocates, who say the requirement is wildly invasive.

Del. Charniele L. Herring, D-Alexandria, and others have on multiple occasions referred to the legislation as “state-sponsored rape.”

The proposal has been skewered nightly this week on MSNBC and “Saturday Night Live” lampooned the measure over the weekend.

The House of Delegates has twice delayed votes on the Senate’s version of the requirement and is expected to again consider it today. If approved, the bill is on to Gov. Bob McDonnell, whose position on the issue is in flux.

Last month, McDonnell indicated support for the concept on a radio show but more recently has said through a spokesman that he’ll consider the bill’s language if it reaches his desk.

This morning, several groups supporting women’s rights delivered a petition signed by more than 33,000 Virginian’s to McDonnell’s office.

Meanwhile, rumors are swirling at the state Capitol that efforts are afoot within the House Republican Caucus to soften the legislation by making the ultrasound voluntary rather than required.