Wanda Franz, Ph.D. WVFL President

Wanda Franz, Ph.D.
WVFL President

Dear Friends,

On Friday, March 28, after the close of business, Governor Tomblin vetoed HB 4588, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. He claimed the bill was unconstitutional—a determination that is usually left to the courts.

He used, as an excuse, the courts’ invalidation of Arizona’s “Mother’s Health and Safety Act”—a law, which is very different from the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act passed by our legislature. Furthermore, the Governor neglects to mention that ten other states have passed laws identical to the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Of these laws, eight have gone into effect without being challenged. In two states, these laws are currently in the courts. The fact is: So far, Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act legislation has never been found unconstitutional.

West Virginians for Life has subsequently worked with our pro-life legislators to initiate a petition drive to force a Special Session that would allow us to pass this important life-saving legislation. We are very close to reaching our goal of getting three-fifths of the members of both Houses to sign the petitions. We are hopeful that we will be able to pass this important legislation to protect babies in the womb from suffering pain from abortion. We are grateful to the pro-life legislators, who have shown compassion toward these innocent children by their actions.

West Virginians for Life is pleased that Senate President Jeff Kessler has joined with House Minority Leader Tim Armstead in support of this important legislation. We are hopeful that the Governor will call a Special Session to pass this bill so West Virginia can begin protecting unborn babies here in our great state.

We could not have made these important pro-life advances without the hard work of John Carey, our Legislative Coordinator in Charleston. It is because of your support that we have him working in Charleston to provide us with the opportunity to protect innocent babies in West Virginia.

Thank you for your continued support for life in the state of West Virginia. You are making a difference for life.

Sincerely,

Wanda Franz, Ph.D., President

P.S.  Be sure to click on the SIGN NOW button on the home page to electronically sign the petition for a special session.