West Virginia Legislature passes abortion ban with narrow exceptions
NBCNov 18, 2022
The Facts
W. Va. Gov. Jim Justice (R) on Fri. said he signed House Bill 302 into law, which bans all abortions except in the cases of nonmedically viable fetuses, ectopic pregnancies, medical emergencies, and rape or incest.
The bill, which took immediate effect upon his signature, now makes performing abortions a felony punishable by 3-10 years in prison. It also threatens murder charges against providers if a woman dies as a result of the procedure.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Beyond the general cruelty of abortion bans, the bill Gov. Justice just signed provides a dangerously narrow window of opportunity within the so-called 'exceptions' provisions. Not only have women's rights been stripped away in West Virginia, but women's health and safety are now at incredible risk.
Republican narrative
This bill protects the fundamental human right to life. As Gov. Justice has stated from the beginning, he'd only sign legislation that protects the unborn while offering reasonable exceptions. This is what House Bill 302 does, and West Virginia proudly follows the lead set forth by the Supreme Court.