West Virginia legislators approve a bill that bans nearly all abortions in the state, sending it to Gov. Jim Justice's desk for approval before it becomes law.
However, there are exceptions if the mother's life is in danger, if the fetus is "non-medically viable" or for an ectopic pregnancy, which is when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the uterus. Psychological or emotional conditions are excluded, according to the bill.
Physicians who perform unlawful abortions could lose their license to practice medicine and face criminal charges.West Virginia Senate minority leader Stephen Baldwin, right, speaks during a news conference prior to the start of a Senate session, on July 29, 2022, in Charleston, W.Va. Behind him are fellow Democratic Sens. Mike Romano left, and Mike Caputo.
The Senate also changed the bill's exceptions for rape and incest. In the House-backed version, rape and incest were excluded from the ban until about 14 weeks' gestation and as long as a report is filed with a "qualified law enforcement officer." In the Senate, the exceptions are until eight weeks' gestation.
The bill passed by legislators requires physicians to report any abortions they perform to the commissioner of the state's Bureau for Public Health within 15 days, including a justification for why the care was provided. On July 25, the state legislature was initially called into a special session to consider Justice's proposal to reduce personal income tax rates.
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