1. United States
2. W.V.
3. Letter

I urge you to oppose SB173, which would create dangerous new restrictions on abortifacients in West Virginia. This legislation is unnecessary and puts women's health at serious risk. West Virginia already has one of the strictest abortion laws in the country. Our existing statutes comprehensively regulate abortion procedures and provide clear legal frameworks. SB173 adds redundant layers of criminalization that serve no legitimate public health purpose while creating substantial barriers to essential medical care. The bill's criminal penalties are particularly alarming. Non-medical professionals face 3 to 10 years in state prison for violations, while licensed medical professionals would have their licenses revoked by their licensing boards. These severe consequences will have a chilling effect on healthcare providers, making them hesitant to prescribe medications that have legitimate medical uses beyond abortion. Medications used to manage miscarriages, treat ectopic pregnancies, and address other serious reproductive health conditions could become effectively unavailable as providers fear prosecution. The civil liability provisions compound these dangers by allowing lawsuits seeking $10,000 per alleged violation without requiring any criminal conviction. This creates an environment where healthcare decisions are driven by fear of litigation rather than medical judgment. Women experiencing pregnancy complications or medical emergencies will face delays in receiving time-sensitive care as providers navigate this legal minefield. The attestation requirement in Section 16-2R-11 forces medical professionals to sign affidavits about their understanding of abortion laws within one year of licensure. This unprecedented mandate treats healthcare providers as presumptive criminals and further discourages qualified professionals from practicing in West Virginia, exacerbating our existing healthcare workforce shortages. Women in West Virginia deserve access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare without unnecessary government interference in the doctor-patient relationship. I ask you to vote against SB173 and protect the health and safety of your constituents.