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West Virginia Legislature passes abortion ban with few exceptions

September 14th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

The West Virginia Legislature on Tuesday 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.

According to the engrossed draft of the bill, 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.

Women who receive abortions will not face any penalties, according to the measure. It also allows some exceptions for victims of rape or incest as long as the incident is reported to law enforcement