The West Virginia legislature yesterday gave final passage to House Bill 302 (full text) which outlaws most abortions. It provides in part:
An abortion may not be performed or induced or be attempted to be performed or induced unless in the reasonable medical judgment of a licensed medical professional: (A) there exists a nonmedically viable fetus; (B) there exists an ectopic pregnancy; or (C) there exists a medical emergency.
In addition ..., an abortion may be performed by a licensed medical professional when:(1) the patient is a victim of sexual assault or incest; (2) a report is made to a qualified law enforcement officer; (3) the licensed medical professional determines that probable gestational age of fetus has not exceed 14 weeks; and (4) the licensed medical professional complies with the provisions of §16-2R-5 [minors and reporting provisions].
A prison sentence of 3 to 10 years is prescribed for anyone (other than the mother) who violates the abortion prohibitions. West Virginia Public Broadcasting reports on the bill. [Thanks to Scott Mange for the lead.]
