HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 167

(By Delegates Boggs, Border, Campbell, Cowles, Ellington,

    Ferns, Householder, Lane, Marcum, Miley, Moye, O’Neal,

         Pasdon, Perry, Reynolds, Stowers and White)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Health authorize a study regarding the health and safety regulations of West Virginia's abortion providers.

    Whereas, The State of West Virginia has a compelling interest in ensuring the health and safety of its citizens as they access medical and surgical care, including reproductive health; and

    Whereas, Many surgical abortions committed in the State of West Virginia occur inside of a private clinic and outside of a hospital setting; and

    Whereas, The taxpayers of the State of West Virginia fund in excess of $300,000 worth of abortions annually in the State of West Virginia; and

    Whereas, Some believe that women choosing abortion expose themselves to greater risk of future health risks, including preterm birth and breast cancer, and many see increased complications ranging from infection to uterine perforations; and

    Whereas, The potential cost of future treatment of women harmed by abortion providers may be paid for by the taxpayers of the State of West Virginia; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Health is hereby requested to authorize a study of the health and safety regulations of West Virginia's abortion providers; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Health report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2014, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on the Health.