Associated Press Published

Gov. Tomblin Vetoes 20-Week Abortion Ban Bill

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  Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has vetoed a bill that would have banned abortion in West Virginia after 20 weeks.

The Democratic governor said he vetoed the legislation because of constitutionality issues raised by his legal team and attorneys for the Legislature.

The bill resembles a law struck down in Arizona that the U.S. Supreme Court later decided not to reconsider.

Because of the legal penalties it includes, Tomblin said the medical community thought the proposal would unduly restrict the doctor-patient relationship to the detriment of the health and safety of expectant mothers.

Tomblin said his legislative record and career show his priority in the “gift of life.”

The bill sparked days of debate about fetal pain and women’s rights before passing both Democratic legislative chambers overwhelmingly.