Fetal Heartbeat Act

SB 17, the Fetal Heartbeat Act, bans most abortions in West Virginia once a fetal heartbeat is detected via ultrasound (typically around 6 weeks of pregnancy), affecting pregnant people seeking abortions and medical providers. The law applies only to intrauterine pregnancies and includes exceptions for medical emergencies that endanger a patient’s life or pose a serious risk of irreversible bodily harm. It defines "fetal heartbeat" as cardiac activity visible in the gestational sac and requires medical documentation of heartbeat detection. Violations could trigger criminal penalties or civil lawsuits, though the bill explicitly states it does not restrict existing laws beyond its specific provisions.