SB 173
Prohibiting abortifacients
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, titled the ‘Unborn Child Protection Act,’ aims to prohibit the use of abortifacients in West Virginia. It defines key terms related to abortion and contraception, establishes criminal penalties for distributing or prescribing abortifacients to residents, and creates a civil cause of action for individuals harmed by such actions. The bill also mandates continuing medical education for licensed medical professionals regarding the risks and efficacy of abortion pills.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘abortifacient,’ ‘abortion,’ and related terms.
- Establishes felony criminal penalties for sending, placing, prescribing, or disseminating abortifacients in West Virginia.
- Allows for revocation of a medical license for licensed professionals who violate the bill’s provisions.
- Creates a civil cause of action for individuals harmed by the distribution of abortifacients, allowing for damages of $10,000 per abortion.
- Excludes pharmacies fulfilling lawful prescriptions and physicians providing legitimate medical services.
- Requires licensed medical professionals to complete continuing medical education on abortion pill risks and efficacy.
- Prohibits charges against women for the receipt of abortifacients.
- Specifies that the bill does not apply to the terms ‘intrauterine fetal demise,’ ‘stillbirth,’ or ‘miscarriage’.
Who is affected
- Pregnant women
- Licensed medical professionals
- Pharmacies
- Healthcare providers
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