The proposed bill, known as the West Virginia Chemical Abortion Prohibition Act, aims to establish regulations surrounding the provision of chemical abortions. It outlines specific offenses for healthcare providers who administer chemical abortions without adhering to certain requirements, such as conducting a physical examination, being present during the procedure, scheduling a follow-up visit, and providing necessary disposal kits for medical waste. Violations of these provisions could result in fines of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to three years. Importantly, the bill stipulates that patients cannot be prosecuted for receiving a chemical abortion, and it clarifies that the legislation does not affect the treatment of ectopic pregnancies.

Additionally, the bill includes definitions for key terms related to abortion drugs, healthcare providers, and medical waste disposal. It mandates that manufacturers of abortion drugs are responsible for the proper disposal of any discarded drugs and imposes a significant fine of $20,000 for violations related to improper disposal. The bill also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the legislation is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. Overall, the bill seeks to regulate the practice of chemical abortions while protecting patients from legal repercussions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-2S-1, 16-2S-2, 16-2S-3, 16-2S-4, 16-2S-5, 16-2S-6