West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, alongside state lawmakers, is celebrating the passage of three important bills focused on protecting children and supporting pregnant women. The governor hosted a ceremonial bill signing at CrossPoint Church in Beckley to highlight the newly enacted laws, which aim to strengthen child protection and expand services for expectant mothers.
“These are strong, pro-life steps forward for our state,” Morrisey said. “They show we’re serious about protecting the unborn, our children, and their mothers. There’s always more to do, but today we’ve made progress.”
The new laws include:
Senate Bill 537 – West Virginia Mothers and Babies Pregnancy Support Program
This bill establishes a new program under the Bureau for Public Health to provide financial support to organizations that assist pregnant women. These include crisis pregnancy centers, maternity homes, adoption agencies, and social service organizations. Notably, the law excludes funding for groups that perform or promote abortion.
The program’s $3 million in funding, approved in the state’s 2026 budget, can now be used for more than just direct services. It can support construction, new services, licensing needs, and staff training, giving organizations the flexibility to grow and meet community needs.
“If we’re going to encourage women to carry their pregnancies, we must support them every step of the way,” said Sen. Rollan Roberts of Raleigh County. “This bill helps us provide the wraparound services they need.”
House Bill 2123 – Stronger Penalties for Child Abuse
This bill increases criminal penalties for parents, guardians, or custodians who abuse or neglect children. Repeat offenders will face tougher consequences, and the law now clarifies what counts as a prior conviction.
Under the new law, abuse causing bodily injury or risk of serious harm will carry prison sentences ranging from two to 10 years. If the abuse results in serious bodily injury, the penalty rises to five to 15 years behind bars.
The bill also addresses neglect linked to financial hardship and emphasizes that reasonable parental discipline is still protected under the law.
“We must protect the most vulnerable,” Morrisey said. “If you harm a child, expect serious consequences. West Virginia won’t tolerate abuse.”
House Bill 2871 – Accountability for Prenatal Death in Vehicle and Boating Incidents
This legislation closes a legal gap by allowing prosecutors to charge individuals with homicide if a child in the womb is lost due to a motor vehicle or boating accident.
“Losing a child in the womb is a tragedy,” Morrisey said. “Our law now reflects that this loss matters and deserves justice.”
These legislative wins represent a united front among state leaders to prioritize life, safety, and justice. Through expanded support services and stricter accountability, West Virginia is taking firm steps to protect its youngest citizens and offer real help to families in need.
