West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed three bills into law that have strengthened his state’s commitment to defend the sanctity of life.
On May 29, Morrisey was joined by other elected officials and pro-life supporters at CrossPoint Church in Beckley, West Virginia to ceremoniously sign legislation supporting expecting mothers, protecting children, and extending protections for the unborn.
“West Virginia has a proud history of standing for the value and dignity of life,” said Morrisey. “I am pleased to sign these bills into law to further defend and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
West Virginia’s Senate Bill 537 strengthens support for women facing unplanned pregnancies by expanding the Mothers and Babies Support Program. State funding can now be used with greater flexibly by pregnancy centers, including for capital expenditures, staff training, licensing, and accreditation. The bill, which clearly excludes “abortion industry organizations,” will ensure that more women receive compassionate, life-affirming care.
The Legislature allocated $3 million for the program, according to West Virginia Watch.
The other two bills signed by the governor enhance legal protections for children and babies in the womb.
West Virginia House Bill 2123 increases the penalty for child abuse or neglect by a parent, guardian, or custodian from a misdemeanor to a felony when the abuse causes bodily injury. Under the new law, offenders can now face one to five years in prison and up to a $1,000 fine.
House Bill 2871 expands the definition of vehicular homicide to include a new offense: aggravated vehicular homicide. It also clarifies that victims of vehicular homicide can include embryos and fetuses. The bill passed unanimously in both the West Virginia House and Senate.
“Now, the loss of a child in the womb can be considered a death for purposes of prosecution,” Morrisey told West Virginia Watch. “That’s just common sense. A life in the womb is still a life. Our laws have to reflect that fact.”
Morrisey, who previously served as Attorney General, said he was humbled to be part of West Virginia’s distinguished pro-life history.
In July, he celebrated the decision that upheld West Virginia’s ban on abortion medication (GenBioPro v. Morrisey). The U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s ruling that the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 does not preempt West Virginia’s near‑total abortion ban, which includes restrictions on the abortion drug mifepristone. According to law.justia.com, the court emphasized that regulating abortion is a traditional state responsibility, and unless Congress clearly intends to override that authority, preemption should not be assumed.
“Big win out of the 4th Circuit,” Morrisey said. “I defended this law as Attorney General and am proud to see a victory in this case. West Virginia can continue to enforce our pro-life laws and lead the nation in our efforts to protect life. We will always be a pro-life state!”