Sadie Shields of West Virginians for Life tells AFN the new law bans most abortions. Abortions that qualify under the law must take place in a hospital setting and be performed by a physician. An abortion from rape or incest must involve law enforcement authorities.
“And the doctor who does the procedure,” Shields explains, “must have a notification from law enforcement stating that that has happened in order to receive the abortion.”
The new law has some teeth in it for anyone violating it, too. A doctor who performs an abortion that is illegal under West Virginia law must be brought before the state medical board, where his or her medical license will be revoked.
While a previous law passed by the legislature is being challenged in court, the new law goes into effect immediately. The penalties kick in after 90 days.
