The bill amends the Unborn Child Protection Act in West Virginia by establishing requirements for voluntary and informed consent prior to an abortion. It specifies that consent must be obtained at least one day before the procedure, except in medical emergencies, and outlines the information that must be provided to the patient. This includes details about the medical risks associated with the abortion procedure, the risks of carrying the pregnancy to term, the opportunity to view an ultrasound, and information about the developmental stage of the embryo or fetus. Additionally, the bill mandates that printed materials and public advertising related to abortion must direct individuals to the Department of Health's website for further resources.
Furthermore, the bill clarifies that any printed materials or advertisements must include specific information about mental health resources, perinatal hospice care, embryonic and fetal development, pregnancy help organizations, and abortion pill reversal providers. It also emphasizes that the materials must be objective and scientifically accurate. The bill aims to ensure that patients are fully informed and can make voluntary decisions regarding their reproductive health.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 16-2R-3