Abortion Funding Restrictions in West Virginia

1. What is the maximum gestational age limit for Medicaid funded abortions in West Virginia?


The maximum gestational age limit for Medicaid funded abortions in West Virginia is 24 weeks.

2. Are there any parental notification laws for minors seeking abortions in West Virginia?


Yes, West Virginia requires parental consent for minors seeking an abortion. According to West Virginia Code § 16-2E-7, a minor must have written consent of a parent or guardian before an abortion can be performed. The minor can also get permission from a judge as an alternative to parental consent.

3. Does West Virginia allow insurance plans to cover abortion services?


No, West Virginia does not allow insurance plans to cover abortion services, except in cases of medical emergency.

4. Is there a waiting period after an abortion consultation in West Virginia?


In West Virginia, there is no required waiting period after an abortion consultation.

5. Do providers in West Virginia have to give state-directed counseling prior to abortions?


No. West Virginia does not require providers to give state-directed counseling prior to abortions.

6. Does West Virginia allow abortions to be covered by public health insurance?


No, West Virginia does not permit public health insurance to cover abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother.

7. Can minors receive abortions in West Virginia without parental consent?


No, minors in West Virginia cannot receive abortions without parental consent. West Virginia requires that minors obtain written parental consent prior to receiving an abortion.

8. Is there any state-mandated ultrasound requirement before an abortion in West Virginia?


No, there is no state-mandated ultrasound requirement before an abortion in West Virginia.

9. Are there any conscience exemptions for healthcare providers who do not want to perform abortions in West Virginia?


Yes, West Virginia allows conscience exemptions for healthcare providers who do not want to perform abortions. According to the West Virginia Code, no physician, hospital or other institution shall be required to perform or assist in the performance of an abortion if it conflicts with their conscience or religious beliefs.

10. Are there any laws limiting the locations where abortions are allowed to take place in West Virginia?


Yes, there are laws limiting the locations where abortions can take place in West Virginia. The state prohibits abortion procedures in any place other than a licensed hospital, ambulatory surgical center, or physician’s office. The state also requires that abortion procedures be performed by a licensed physician.

11. Does West Virginia restrict coverage of medications that induce early medical abortions?


The state of West Virginia does not restrict coverage of medications that induce early medical abortions. State law prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage for any medically necessary abortion, and the state does not have any laws that specifically target medication-induced abortions.

12. Does West Virginia prohibit the use of telemedicine for medication abortions?


Yes, West Virginia does prohibit the use of telemedicine for medication abortions.

13. Are there any restrictions on abortion-related referrals and advertising by healthcare providers in West Virginia?


Yes. West Virginia law prohibits any healthcare provider from directly advertising or referring for any abortion-related services or products. Any healthcare provider who advertises or refers for such services or products is subject to both criminal and civil penalties.

14. Is Medicaid expansion in West Virginia linked to the restriction of abortion services?


No, Medicaid expansion in West Virginia is not linked to the restriction of abortion services. However, lawmakers in West Virginia have passed legislation that restricts access to abortion services, including a ban on dilation and evacuation abortions and a requirement for physicians to give women state-mandated information before they receive an abortion.

15. Are there any restrictions on the types of procedures that can be used during a second-trimester abortion in West Virginia?


Yes, there are restrictions on the types of procedures that can be used during a second-trimester abortion in West Virginia. West Virginia law states that only the “dilation and evacuation” procedure may be used for second-trimester abortions in the state, and only when medically necessary. Additionally, the procedure must be performed in a hospital.

16. Are there any laws preventing public funding for abortion services in West Virginia?


Yes, there are laws in West Virginia that prevent public funding for abortion services, with exceptions only for cases of rape, incest, or if the life of the woman is in danger.

17. Does West Virginia allow private insurance plans to cover abortion services for low-income women?


No, West Virginia does not allow private insurance plans to cover abortion services for low-income women.

18. Are there any gestational age limits for privately funded abortions in West Virginia?


No, there are no gestational age limits for privately funded abortions in West Virginia.

19. Is there a ban on abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat in West Virginia?


Yes, there is a ban on abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat in West Virginia. The law, referred to as the “heartbeat bill,” was passed in 2019 and prohibits abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can be as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.

20. Does West Virginia require separate co-payments and deductibles for abortion services under private insurance plans?


No, West Virginia does not require separate co-payments and deductibles for abortion services under private insurance plans.