The last time I drove through Virginia there were signs, bumper stickers, mugs, T-shirts, and a slew of other tourist paraphernalia calling it the state for lovers.

My-oh-my, how things have chilled.

Virginia's House and Senate, according to a Huffington Post article, have passed a bill that will require women seeking an abortion to first have a transvaginal ultrasound probe to produce an image of the fetus.

Bob McDonnell, the state's Republican governor, says he will sign the bill. McDonnell, who has frequently been cited as a possible GOP vice presidential pick, is a socially conservative Roman Catholic.

As far as I can tell, the bill isn't based on any medical necessity and is essentially designed to intimidate women who want an abortion.

Another bill that has already passed the Virginia House and is likely to pass the Senate recognizes a fertilized egg as a person. McDonnell has not said whether he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk, but many observers believe he will.

Similar personhood bills in Mississippi and Colorado have been soundly defeated.

But taken together, Virginia could be on track to passing some of the toughest anti-abortion legislation in the country. And considering the flap over the Obama administration's decision on contraceptives and health insurance, Virginia's legislation could make abortion a major issue in the 2012 election.

I feel sorry for the folks in Virginia's tourism department. They may want to rethink their "Virginia is for lovers" slogan.