West Virginia Lawmakers Send Near-Total Abortion Ban to Governor

West Virginia lawmakers passed a near-total abortion ban on Tuesday, allowing exceptions for medical emergencies, rape, and incest.

Under the measure sent to Gov. Jim Justice (R), cases of rape and incest would have to be reported to law enforcement, including cases involving children, before an abortion may be performed. A police report filed by a doctor treating a child for sexual assault would satisfy the requirement.

A doctor who performs an illegal abortion would face the loss of their medical licenses, but no criminal penalties, under the legislation (H.B. 302).

Abortions in cases of rape or incest ...