CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice on Monday signed a bill punishing doctors who do not provide medical help to children born following an abortion.
The West Virginia Legislature previously passed the “born alive” bill, although lawmakers have noted the measure will have no impact because the death of a child in such a situation has already been determined to be murder.
Justice said at a bill signing ceremony the federal government has not done enough to protect children and unborn children.
“We’re going to put a stake in the sand that says for us, for us at least we stand for life and we stand for the right stuff,” he said.
The state Senate approved House Bill 4007 in a 32-0 vote, and the House of Delegates backed the measure 92-6.