West Virginia bans abortions after 20 weeks over governor's veto

By

The Republican-controlled West Virginia legislature on Friday banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, overriding the governor's veto and joining 11 other states in prohibiting abortion at that point.

The state Senate voted 27-5 to override the veto by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, a Democrat. The state House of Delegates had voted to override his veto on Wednesday.

Tomblin had rejected the measure on Tuesday. He cited constitutional concerns since the bill barred termination of some pregnancies before the fetuses were viable.

A spokesman for Tomblin said the governor wanted the ban to target a later gestational period to ensure legality. The law takes effect on May 26.

Planned Parenthood said in a statement that bans on abortion after 20 weeks had been passed in 11 other states since 2010. Idaho and Georgia have similar bans but they are not being enforced because they are undergoing legal challenges.

The reproductive health advocacy group said abortions after 20 weeks were rare and usually occurred due to maternal health risks.

Last year, eight abortions took place in West Virginia after 20 weeks, it said.

Tags
Veto, Planned Parenthood, Abortion
Join the Discussion
More News
Raynaldo Riviera Ortiz Jr.

Texas Doctor Who Poisoned Patients With Tainted IV Bags Learns His Fate

13-Year-Old Borrows Parents' Toyota at 3 A.M., Ends Up Leading

13-Year-Old Borrows Parents' Toyota at 3 A.M., Ends Up Leading Police on High-Speed Chase Across Los Angeles

Bradenton Police

Suspect in Fatal Florida Hit-and-Run Arrested After Returning to Scene of the Crime

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie

Moab Police Dodge $50 Million Lawsuit After Gabby Petito's Parents Claimed Cops Emboldened Accused Killer, Ignored Abuse Signs

Real Time Analytics