CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia House of Delegates will vote Wednesday on a measure that would require physicians to provide care for children born during an abortion.
House Bill 4007 states a doctor would have to “exercise the same degree of reasonable medical judgment to preserve the life and health of the child as a physician would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.” Delegate Ruth Rowan, R-Hampshire, introduced the bill when the legislative session began last week.
Delegate Kayla Kessinger, R-Fayette, said she cannot find an argument to the measure.
“We are talking about a baby who has been born alive, whose heart is beating, who has taken a breath,” she said on Tuesday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
Kessinger said the bill applies specifically to abortion procedures.
“We want to make sure those babies are given the protections and attention that they desire,” she said.
West Virginia already has a 20-week ban on abortions. The Senate has yet to consider House Bill 4007.