The proposed bill, titled the "Life at Conception Act of 2025," seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing a new article that guarantees the right to life for all human beings, including those at all stages of development from fertilization onward. The bill asserts that this right is protected under both the United States Constitution and the West Virginia Constitution, emphasizing the legislative body's authority to enact necessary laws to uphold this principle.
Additionally, the bill includes specific provisions that clarify its intent, stating that it does not mandate the prosecution of women for the death of their unborn children, nor does it restrict in vitro fertilization or the use of birth control methods. The legislation also provides definitions for key terms such as "human person," "human being," and "State," ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the terms as they relate to the right to life.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 16-2S-1, 16-2S-2, 16-2S-3