West Virginians for Life preparing own pain-capable abortion bill

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Lawmakers will again be debating the viability of a fetus or unborn child at the State Capitol during the ongoing Regular Legislative Session.

A bill that would ban abortions in West Virginia after 20 weeks into a pregnancy, except in cases of medical emergencies, is pending in the House Health and Human Resources Committee.

As early as next week, a separate version of that “pain-capable” proposal — one that has the support of West Virginians For Life, a state pro-life organization — is also expected to be introduced.

“What we’re saying is that certainly by 20 weeks a baby feels pain,” John Carey, legislative coordinator for WVFL, said of the draft proposal.

Because of that, Carey argued on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline,” the state has a duty to protect the unborn child or fetus.

It was Jan. 22, 1973 — 42 years old Thursday — when the U.S. Supreme Court found banning abortions except to the save the life of a mother was unconstitutional. The 7-2 ruling upheld a woman’s right to an abortion during the first six months of a pregnancy.

That ruling also said states could enact abortion laws protecting the life of a fetus or unborn child only in the third trimester and, even then, exceptions had to be made to protect the life of the mother.

For lawmakers, it could come down to a question of viability — when an unborn child or fetus can potentially survive outside of the womb. In the U.S., the age of viability is 24 weeks.

Margaret Chapman-Pomponio, executive director of West Virginia FREE (Freedom for Reproductive Education and Equality), was asked on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline” about a possible compromise between the 20 weeks WVFL will again lobby for and the 24 weeks of viability.

“I think it’s really important to have doctors and nurses weigh in on that,” she said. “I think that there’s certainly a much more reasonable approach to this bill. This is not a reasonable approach. This is extreme,” she said.

According to Carey, the WVFL-backed bill would make it a felony crime to perform abortions after 20 weeks except in cases of medical emergencies. Doctors who violate the law could be fined up to $5,000 or sent to prison for a year. The patient would not face criminal penalties.

Last year, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin vetoed a similar measure, citing issues with its constitutionality and concerns about state law interfering with a woman’s relationship with her doctor.

Carey said he believes there are more than enough votes in the state Senate and state House of Delegates to again pass the bill.

West Virginia FREE and the ACLU of West Virginia held a demonstration at the State Capitol Thursday in opposition to HB 2153 which has already been introduced.

On Capitol Hill Wednesday, U.S. House Republicans dropped a bill that would have banned abortions after 20 weeks.

Instead, the U.S. House was expected to approve legislation Thursday that would permanently ban the use of tax dollars for abortions. It’s the same bill the House passed last year. It went nowhere in the U.S. Senate which, at that time, was controlled by Democrats.





More News

News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 28, 2024 - 6:20 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm
News
Barbour County woman sentenced after death case sent back to circuit court by Supreme Court
Carli Reed sentenced on voluntary manslaughter conviction.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm


Your Comments