The state of West Virginia. Democratic lawmakers want voters to decide if abortion should be allowed in the state.
The state's abortion law is subject to scrutiny by the Legislature and the attorney general, according to the governor.
Legislation to criminalize abortion was not passed during the special session.
On Friday, top Democrats askedJustice and leading GOP lawmakers to bring the Legislature back to consider a resolution to allow voters to consider a constitutional amendment.
Justice didn't want part of that.
The governor spoke at a news conference. The Democrats are doing that.
In West Virginia, abortion was not allowed after 20 weeks of pregnancies. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said after the ruling that abortion was banned in the state because of an 1800s-era law that hadn't been used in years.
A judge in Charleston ruled that the ban had been superseded by a number of conflicting modern laws and that the state couldn't enforce it. The case is expected to be taken up by the Supreme Court this fall.
Justice said that it was the responsibility of the Legislature and the Attorney General. I don't want to impose anything, any ideas or anything, that's what I've said over and over.
I won't sign it if they bring me something that I can't sign. I don't believe that will happen. The Legislature should get through this and bring me something that I will absolutely welcome and sign. That is what will happen.
Voters in West Virginia approved a constitutional amendment stating that the state's constitution does not guarantee or protect a right to abortion.
The House of Delegates passed a sweeping abortion ban during the special session that would have made it a felony to provide the procedure. There were exceptions for victims of rape and incest. Penalties were removed for doctors who perform illegal abortions.
The House of Delegates asked for a conference committee to iron out differences between the bills after refusing to agree with the Senate changes. No such committee has been announced.
Residents in Kansas, a state with a GOP-controlled Legislature, rejected a ballot measure that would have allowed lawmakers to tighten restrictions or ban the procedure completely. The vote will be recounted by hand despite the large margin.
Stephen Baldwin said in an email that the issue was very important. We need a resolution soon. There was a chance for the legislature to act. The people should have the final say. Our constitution gives the people the power to decide on this question.
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