Key issues • West Virginia

West Virginia Legislature passes abortion ban with few exceptions

The West Virginia Legislature passed a bill that will prohibit nearly all abortions except to save a pregnant person’s life or in certain cases that involve rape or incest. House Bill 302, passed the state Senate in a 22-7 vote, and the House gave it final approval in a 77-17 vote. The bill, which would significantly curtail access to abortion in a state where it is currently legal up to 20 weeks post-fertilization, now goes to Republican Gov. Jim Justice’s desk for signature…. Any physician or other licensed medical practitioner who intentionally or recklessly performs or induces an abortion in violation of the law could be subject to discipline, including losing their medical license…. “After weeks of discussions behind closed doors, the West Virginia Legislature has voted to ban abortion. It’s impossible to overstate what a dark day this is for liberty and for the state,” the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia said

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