CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginians for Life (WVFL) spearheaded “Pro Life Day” at the state capitol Thursday.
WVFL State President Lacey Evans said their mission has changed slightly since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Now, they want to take the step and urge lawmakers to stay on course but add resources for training, care, and counseling.
“We’re working to continue to build that culture of life,” Evans said during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.” “Where women don’t feel like they need to have an abortion because they have resources that are available to them.”
According to Evans, the abortion pill is being mailed into the state since the medical procedure is no longer available. Senator Chris Rose, R, Monongalia, 2, is the sponsor of Senate Bill 173 that makes it a felony to knowingly send the abortion pill via delivery service or for a doctor to knowingly issue the prescription.
All forms of abortion are illegal in the state of West Virginia,” Evans said.
“But what we’re finding is that these abortion pills are being mailed in illegally to our state, and we want to put a stop to that,” Evans said.
Evans said the abortion pill is risky and can cause serious side effects like large blood clots, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, infection, and fever/chills, which are common as the body reacts to the medication. She said because of the laws here, there is no way to verify the drugs being sent are safe or even what they’re described to be.
House Bill 5442, sponsored by Del. Erica Moore, R-Roane, would require nurses and EMS workers to be trained on how to provide treatment to someone suffering side effects from the abortion pill.
“We’re wanting to make the people of West Virginia aware that this is not a safe way,” Evans said. “These pills coming in from out of state have no medical oversight.”
Another trend since the Roe v. Wade decision has been an increase in demand for prenatal care. Due to that increase in demand, there are two budget bills being considered this session that would increase funding for pregnancy resource centers from $3 million to $5 million.
“They’re providing diapers, clothing, formula, and ultrasounds, and we want to continue to support those centers to help them to provide the needed resources to women,” Evans said.
The members and supporters of West Virginians for Life want to use this time with the legislature to send a clear message that all life should be protected.
“We want our legislators to know we want to protect life at all levels,” Evans said. “We want state laws that reflect these values, and we want public policy that reflects these values,” Evans said.