House Kills Parental Notification Bill

The House of Delegates voted 62-37 against discharging SB 519 from committee, effectively killing this bill. SB 519 would reform the law requiring parental notification before a minor may have an abortion and close a critical loophole in the law that allows waivers of this law with no judicial oversight.

While 50 of the 68 House Democrats carried a West Virginians for Life endorsement in 2004, only 5 of them kept their word on this bill, one of the most popular pieces of legislation on the pro-life agenda. All 32 Republicans and the following 5 Democrats voted for discharge:

• Eustace Frederick, D-Mercer
• Tom Louisos, D-Fayette
• Tim Miley, D-Harrison
• Sally Susman, D-Raleigh
• Ken Tucker, D-Marshall