Republican legislators in Virginia's House of Delegates have dropped a proposal requiring a woman to have a vaginal ultrasound before an abortion.

Opponents of the mandate claim the procedure is too invasive. Supporters say doctors use that procedure as a diagnostic tool every day. They noted that even Planned Parenthood uses it in an early pregnancy.

But following a strong backlash against legislation, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell asked that the legislation be amended.

The bill will now require only an external ultrasound. Women considering abortion will be offered a chance to see the image.

"Mandating an invasive procedure in order to give informed consent is not a proper role for the state," McDonnell said in a statement Wednesday.

"No person should be directed to undergo an invasive procedure by the state, without their consent, as a precondition to another medical procedure," he added.