This update from our partners at Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic was sent to supporters on Tuesday, March 28, 2025. We have updated it to reflect the current status of each bill as of Thursday, April 3, 2025.
We are nearing the end of this year’s legislative session, and our elected officials are back to their old tactics. We have already faced new threats to our reproductive health care, discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, and attacks on public health. It can be overwhelming to keep up with the news from the Trump Administration. However, it’s crucial not to overlook what our state legislators are doing, as they can have a more immediate impact on our everyday lives than the federal government.
To help you navigate the current news cycle, here is a brief overview of a few bills we are monitoring:
Senate Bill 85:
This bill would double down on the state’s existing total abortion ban (which has been in effect for over two years). If passed into law, medical providers across our state may be unable to provide treatment for miscarriage management without fear of felony punishment – preventing Mountaineers from receiving essential care. We expect the bill to pass the Senate and head to the House for consideration early next week.
Status as of 4/3/25: Passed the Senate, pending in the House Health and Human Resources Committee.
Senate Bill 2402:
This bill will require health care providers to give parents access to their teenager’s medical records related to birth control, STI testing and treatment, mental health treatment, and substance use treatment, regardless of the potential risks to the teen’s wellbeing. The bill has already passed the House and is currently in the Senate. They haven’t voted on it yet, but we expect lawmakers to advance the bill to Governor Morrisey’s desk next week.
Status as of 4/3/25: Referred to Senate Health and Human Resources on 2nd Reading
Senate Bill 292:
This bill would establish Medicaid and Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) coverage for doula care services, expanding access to critical reproductive health care services! It passed the Senate with a 34-0 vote and is now headed to the House. We hope that our elected officials prioritize this bill that is so desperately needed for Mountaineers.
Status as of 4/3/25: On the House Health and Human Resources Committee agenda for mark up and passage.
House Bill 2839:
This bill would have ensured that all students in public schools had access to period products. We worked hard to advocate for this legislation by helping students speak directly with lawmakers and delivering stories from nearly 500 Mountaineers about the importance of access to period products in schools! Unfortunately, lawmakers have refused to advance the bill this year. I’d like to say a special thank you to all of you who spoke out in support of this important legislation! We will keep working toward menstrual equity for all.
Status as of 4/3/25: Not taken up by the House Education Committee.
Take Action:
Feeling angry or frustrated? Want to make your voice heard and fight for our rights? Join us on Friday, April 4, for Reproductive Rights Advocacy Day at the West Virginia State Capitol! This event is an opportunity to hear from folks who have had an abortion or relied on gender-affirming health care, learn how to fight back, and connect with other organizations fighting hard to protect our rights. Register today to learn more!