Today is a critical day in West Virginia, one long overdue. Today HB 4588, the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act will receive its third reading in the state senate. After passing the first and second readings all that is left is this third reading before the bill will be sent back to the house for a vote. If it passes the house vote it will be sent to the Governor for his signature.

Here’s why its important:

1. West Virginia is one of just 9 states that has no limitations on abortion. In other words an unborn child can be killed up to the moment of birth. That is a shame on every mountaineer. This bill would restrict abortions after approximately 22 weeks for the first time in our beautiful state.

2. It has been scientifically proven many times that unborn children at 20-22 weeks can feel pain. This means abortion at that age, usually done by ripping them limb from limb is nothing but torture. To think that our “civilized” society would allow such a thing to occur is absurd. HB 4588 would prevent such torture of unborn children.

3. This is important because it will tell us if Gov. Tomblin is truly pro-life or not. As governor he has done nothing to protect women and unborn children from the harms of abortion. He has encouraged no legislation while only talking about being pro-life. If he refuses to sign this bill we will know that his talk and his walk don’t agree.

Please pray for this bill and those that will be voting. Let your elected lawmakers know that you support it and want to see them do the same. You can reach any member of the house or senate here: www.legis.state.wv.us.

We are very close to enacting the first law that would protect women and children from the harms of abortion, let’s not let this one slip away due to apathy or a “busy day.”