FAMILY PLANNING
Examples: Contraception, Abortion
ABORTION LAW CHANGES
ABORTION IS NOW ILLEGAL
(IN MOST CASES)
IN WEST VIRGINIA.
IT IS STILL SAFE TO GET COUNSELING ABOUT ABORTION.
THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR GOING OUT OF STATE.
ORGANIZATIONS, LIKE WV FREE AND HOLLER HEALTH JUSTICE CAN HELP YOU FIND COUNSELING, PROVIDERS, TRANSPORTATION, AND FUNDING
CURRENT BILLS
For the most up-to-date bill status, we recommend registering for a free account with wvlegislature.gov and building your own "Bill Tracker" list. Instructions are listed on the "Get Involved" page, and on the "Legislation" page on our website.
HB 302
Passed in 2022 Third Extraordinary Session
In response to the SCOTUS Decision to overturn the precedent set in Roe v Wade, the State of WV met in special and extraordinary legislative sessions to clarify WV laws pertaining to abortion. It was signed into law by Governor Jim Justice on September 16, 2022.
An abortion may not be performed or induced or be attempted to be performed or induced unless in the reasonable medical judgment of a licensed medical professional in very specific cases.
These cases include:
a nonmedically viable fetus
ectopic pregnancy
medical emergencies
sexual assault incest (only if a report is made to law enforcement)
Telehealth abortion services are not considered legal.
ACNM POSITION STATEMENTS
ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE SERVICES
The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) affirms the following:
Everyone has the right to make choices regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) that meet their individual needs.
Everyone has the right to access factual, evidence-based, unbiased information about available SRH care services in order to make informed decisions.
Access to SRH care services should be available and affordable for those with limited means.
Parenting, adoption, and abortion are all legal and appropriate SRH options within the ethical context of self-determination.
Midwifery care includes fertility assessment and support of those who seek pregnancy.
Midwifery care includes support of individuals who choose to not become pregnant as part of their reproductive life plans.
As providers of SRH care, midwives may provide abortion care as expanded scope of practice depending on scope of practice regulations and credentialing approval in the state.
