A Republican amendment to legislation that would require women seeking an abortion to undergo an ultrasound is being offered that would make transvaginal ultrasounds optional.

As written, the bill would require ultrasounds regardless of the method. Early in a woman’s pregnancy, the more common method would be through a vaginal probe. 

That has sparked outcry from Democrats and women’s rights advocates, some of whom have described the legislation as “state-sponsored rape.”

The amendment, sponsored by Del. David B. Albo, R-Fairfax, would allow women to decline the transvaginal abortion if an abdominal ultrasound would not be able to determine the gestational age. 

Gov. Bob McDonnell has issued a statement in support of the amendment.

“I believe there is no need to direct by statute that further invasive ultrasound procedures be done. Mandating an invasive procedure in order to give informed consent is not a proper role for the state,” McDonnell said. “No person should be directed to undergo an invasive procedure by the state, without their consent, as a precondition to another medical procedure.”