2007 Legislative Agenda
The pro-abortion movement is alive and well in West Virginia. They are more organized, effective, and better funded than ever before. They have presented a serious challenge to West Virginians for Life's efforts to protect unborn children. Pro-lifers must rise to the challenge and do more than ever if we are to end the tragedy of abortion and euthanasia.
Following is a brief description of each item on West Virginians for Life’s 2007 legislative agenda.
Legislative Reception & Pro-Life Rally, Mark Your Calendars Now
All pro-lifers are encouraged to attend the WVFL Legislative Reception which will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2007 at the Charleston Marriott and the Pro-Life Rally and Day at the Legislature which will be on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 from 10-2 at the Capitol Complex.
Limit Tax Funding of Abortion
The state of West Virginia spent almost $350,000 of your money to pay for abortions
last year alone. The federal government requires that we pay for abortions for
rape, incest and life of the mother, yet you are forced to pay for abortions
for any reason, even as a method of birth control. West Virginia is one of only
18 states that uses tax dollars to pay for abortions on demand.
Parent's Right to Know
As a result, West Virginia's daughters are being victimized. In existing state law, loopholes allow abortionists to perform secret abortions on underage girls without the knowledge or consent of their parents, the people who care for them the most. Minors must have parental consent to have their ears pierced or to get a tattoo. An invasive surgical procedure such as abortion should fall under the same legal standards.
Weaknesses in the law protect sexual predators who often use abortion to destroy evidence of their illegal activities. In other states, including the neighboring state of Ohio, Planned Parenthood is under investigation for failing to report suspected sexual abuse. West Virginia's law must be changed to protect those girls in abusive situations.
In 2006, a majority of Democrats in the House of Delegates killed the Parent's Right to Know bill in a secret vote behind closed doors. As a result, pro-life hero Tom Louisos moved to discharge the bill from committee and bring it to the floor for a vote. Unfortunately, that motion failed.
Reform
As always, WVFL will monitor any welfare, adoption, health care, and campaign finance reform to ensure that the sanctity of life is protected.
End of Life Issues
WVFL will once again work to ensure the right to life of those who are gravely ill or mentally incapacitated in some way.
Project WIN (Women in Need)
This legislation would establish state funding for pregnancy resource centers and others who provide assistance to women and girls in an unplanned pregnancy. Under this program, mothers would be assisted in finding educational and career opportunities, as well as services for mother and child, including parenting classes.