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After Veto Last Year, West Virginia Lawmakers Clear Abortion Ban
By: Associated Press
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Lawmakers are sending Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin a bill banning abortion after 20 weeks conception, similar to one he vetoed last year.
The Senate passed the proposal 29-5 Wednesday. The House passed it earlier this month.
The bill provides some exemptions for women in medical emergencies. Rape and incest aren’t exempted.
Proponents have cited moral, religious grounds. Opponents say the bill is likely unconstitutional and intrusive into doctor-patient relationships.
The 2014 Democratic-run Legislature passed a similar proposal.
Tomblin, an anti-abortion advocate, vetoed the legislation over constitutionality concerns.
Both bills resemble a law struck down in Arizona in 2013 that the U.S. Supreme Court later decided not to reconsider.
Tomblin says he’d veto the same bill. Lawmakers need a simple majority to overturn policy vetoes.
Republicans now control the Legislature.