Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed a law Wednesday requiring women seeking abortions to have an ultrasound -- but not a more invasive vaginal probe.

Women seeking an abortion in Virginia will now have to undergo an abdominal ultrasound in order to determine the age of the fetus, Reuters reported.

McDonnell, who has been widely touted as a possible Republican vice presidential running mate, signed the bill after he and Republican lawmakers backed away from requiring a vaginal probe in some cases. That provision sparked fierce opposition from women's groups and abortion rights supporters who said it was demeaning.

The mandate takes effect in July for abortion providers across Virginia, the Associated Press reported.

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