CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House of Delegates on a procedural vote narrowly defeated a pro-life bill Tuesday. A move to discharge the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act from committee and move it to the House floor failed on a tie vote, 48-48.
The legislation prohibits abortions after 20 weeks. After that point, the pro-life movement argues, the unborn child is able to feel pain.
The decision by pro-life members of the House to try move the bill came on West Virginians for Life Day at the Legislature. Pro-life advocates sat in the House chamber and watched the debate.
House Minority Leader Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha) took to the floor after the vote to express his disappointment.
“We’re in the vast minority of states that have not taken a step to ensure that children may no longer be aborted when they are capable of feeling pain,” Armstead said.
Pro-life supporters erupted in applause after Amstead’s speech, causing House Speaker Tim Miley to rap his gavel several times and call for order.
A similar bill is pending in the Senate.