The West Virginia state legislature on Tuesday passed a blanket ban on abortion with a few exceptions, with a majority of Republicans saying they hope it will make it impossible for the state’s only abortion clinic to operate. News.ro, citing The Guardian.
“He’s going to shut down the abortion clinic, I’m sure of it,” Robert Carnes said on the Senate floor to cheers from protesters who lined the chamber’s doors. “I think it’s going to save a lot of kids.”
According to the law, victims of rape and incest can obtain the right to an abortion before the eighth week of pregnancy, but only if they notify the authorities in advance. Such minor victims are allowed to have an abortion up to 14 weeks and must contact the authorities and a doctor.
Rape and incest victims must report the assault within 48 hours, and patients must provide the doctor with a copy of the police report or a notarized letter before the procedure.
Abortions will also be permitted in cases of medical emergency.
Lawmakers specifically targeted the West Virginia Women’s Health Center, which for years was the state’s only abortion clinic.
West Virginia has joined the ranks of states that have banned abortions following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that struck down a constitutional right protecting abortion rights nationwide.
That left it up to states to decide whether abortions should remain legal, sparking heated debate, especially in Republican-controlled states, about when to impose a ban or make exceptions in cases involving rape, incest or a woman’s health. and how these exceptions should be implemented.
Dozens of protesters wearing pink shirts reading “stop banning our bodies” and holding placards reading “abortion is medical care” organized a rally outside the Senate chamber.
Lawmakers introduced several provisions affecting the West Virginia Women’s Health Center, the state’s first abortion clinic, which opened in 1976. For many years, it was the only abortion clinic in the state.
- Read also: “I was forced to carry my pregnancy to term so that I could bury the child later.” The story of a woman from an American state
Source: Hot News RO
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