House Passes Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Charleston – Today the House of Delegates passed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.B.2568) by a vote of 87-12.

Speaker Tim Armstead stated, “I applaud the House for their overwhelming bipartisan support of this bill that will protect the unborn in West Virginia. Despite claims from opponents of the bill, I believe the legislation is constitutionally sound and represents the right public policy in our state.”

The legislation protects the unborn in the womb from abortion, once the unborn becomes developmentally pain capable at the gestational age of 22 weeks. The bill also contains exemptions to protect the life and health of the mother.

“The Pain Capable Unborn Protection Act reflects the values of West Virginians and it is my hope that this legislation will ultimately be signed by the Governor. I am confident that the vast majority of West Virginians believe West Virginia should protect unborn children who are capable of feeling pain,” Armstead added.

The legislation originated in the House Committee on the Judiciary, chaired by Del. John Shott (R-Mercer) and the House Committee on Health, chaired by Del. Joe Ellington (R-Mercer).

The sponsors of the bill include Del. Kelli Sobonya (R-Cabell), Del. Lynne Arvon (R-Raleigh), Del. Kayla Kessinger (R-Fayette), Del. Ruth Rowan (R-Hampshire), Del. Amy Summers (R-Taylor), Del. Anna Border-Sheppard (R-Wood), Del. Saira Blair (R-Berkeley), Del. Paul Espinosa (R-Jefferson), Del. Terry Waxman (R-Harrison), Del. Rick Moye (D-Raleigh) and Del. Jeff Eldridge (D-Lincoln).

Contact: Speaker Tim Armstead at (304) 340-3210