Democratic lawmakers are pushing for a statewide amendment vote on abortion policy in West Virginia, but that proposal does not have the support of Gov. Jim Justice.
“This is the responsibility of our Legislature and our Attorney General. And absolutely I’ve said over and over and over, I don’t want to impose anything, any ideas or anything. This is their responsibility. If they bring me something I cannot sign then I won’t sign it. But I don’t think that will happen,” Justice, a Republican, said today in a regular briefing.
“I think our Legislature abounds with good people, and they should get through this and bring me something that I will absolutely welcome and sign. I think that’s exactly what will happen, and I think that’s our responsibility.”
West Virginia lawmakers considered a comprehensive abortion policy in late July during one week of special session that ended with disagreements among members of the Republican supermajorities over criminal penalties and the extent of exceptions for rape or incest.
Lawmakers in both chambers adjourned to an undetermined later date. The only agreement was to set up a conference committee to work out differences, but even that remains open-ended. No one has said when or if matters might be resolved.
This past Friday, Democratic lawmakers put out a statement calling on Justice and legislative leaders to support a resolution to let citizens vote on a constitutional amendment focused on abortion rights.
“The circumstances of each abortion are unique to the person involved. It’s absurd to think politicians should be making decisions about the reproductive freedom of West Virginia citizens,” Delegate Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, stated in the release.
Citizens of Kansas drew much of the nation’s attention early this month by rejecting an amendment that would have changed that state’s constitution to say there is no right to abortion.
West Virginia voters narrowly approved a similar amendment in 2018 to say nothing in the state constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of abortion.
The West Virginia measure passed with 295,536 votes in favor to 275,748 votes against.
Senate Minority Leader Stephen Baldwin, D-Greenbrier, today said much has changed since West Virginians took that vote. In particular, he said, abortion policy has become very real to people after the U.S. Supreme Court rolled back federal guarantees under Roe vs. Wade, leaving policies to states.
“Why should this go on the ballot? A couple reasons: One because the Legislature had a chance a couple weeks ago and was unable to come to a resolution. We have not been called back yet. There have been no indications we’re going to be called back any time soon. Also because this needs to be settled, sooner rather than later,” he said on MetroNews’ “Talkline.”
“And finally because it’s a constitutional issue. This isn’t just another issue before the Legislature; it’s a constitutional issue. And in that circumstance constitutional issues go before the people for a vote.”
Democrats in West Virginia have called for a statewide vote on abortion. How does this differ from the special legislative session? Senate minority leader @baldwinforwv joins @HoppyKercheval with details WATCH: https://t.co/yCFQ3nDJuy pic.twitter.com/UD67sbBKOi
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) August 15, 2022