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HB 4588 - Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks - West Virginia Key Vote

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Title: Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an abortion after 20 weeks.

Highlights:

  • Requires a physician to determine the age of a fetus before performing an abortion, except in the case of a “medical emergency” or a “non-medically viable fetus” (Sec. 3).
  • Prohibits a physician from performing or inducing an abortion of a fetus that is 20 or more weeks old, except in the case of a “medical emergency” or a “non-medically viable fetus” (Sec. 4).
  • Defines “medical emergency” as a situation that requires an immediate abortion to avoid the mother’s death or a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment to a major bodily function (Sec. 2).
  • Defines “non-medically viable fetus” as a fetus that has sufficient anomalies which render the fetus incompatible with life outside the womb (Sec. 2).
  • Classifies a violation of this bill as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of no more than $4,000 (Sec. 6).
  • Specifies that no punishment will be assessed against an individual receiving an abortion (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text

See How Your Politicians Voted

Title: Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits an abortion after 20 weeks.

Highlights:

  • Requires a physician to determine the age of a fetus before performing an abortion, except in the case of a “medical emergency” (Sec. 3).
  • Prohibits a physician from performing or inducing an abortion of a fetus that is 20 or more weeks old, except in the case of a “medical emergency” (Sec. 3).
  • Defines “medical emergency” as a situation that requires an immediate abortion to avoid the mother’s death or a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment to a major bodily function (Sec. 2).
  • Classifies a violation of this bill as a felony punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000, imprisonment in a state correctional facility for 1 to 5 years, or both (Sec. 6).
  • Authorizes the patient who received the abortion or the father of the fetus to file a civil action against the physician who performed the abortion if the procedure was in violation of this bill (Sec. 7).
  • Specifies that no punishment will be assessed against an individual receiving an abortion (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text

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