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Cover Story
Roe Overturned & HB 302 Passes!
On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court released their ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. “We are thrilled with the decision rendered by the Supreme Court today. We are so happy to be able to live in a country that is no longer damaged by the legalized killing of our most vulnerable members,” said Dr. Wanda Franz, president of WVFL.
In the majority opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito, the High Court noted: “Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences. And far from bringing about a national settlement of the abortion issue, Roe and Casey have enflamed debate and deepened division. It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.”
The West Virginia legislature picked up this newly-given mantle of authority when Governor Justice added abortion law to a special session during the summer. The result was HB 302, which passed both WV houses on September 13. This law will protect the majority of babies and their mothers, with exceptions for life of the mother, rape, and incest. Although this is a victory, work remains to be done during the regular session.I’m a Board-Certified OB/GYN who has delivered over 2,500 babies.