Pictured left to right are WVFL’s Legislative Dir. Sadie Keaton and Financial Mgr. Sherri Stevens, Gov. Justice, WVFL’s Office Mgr. Mary Anne Buchanan, and Pres. Wanda Franz. Behind are WVFL Office Asst. Cindy Mansberger, the Governor’s Senior Advisor Larry Pack and his wife Lisa.
On Wednesday, March 28, pro-life governor Jim Justice joined pro-lifers at CrossRoads Pregnancy Center in Charleston to sign the Support for Mothers and Babies Act into law.
West Virginia strongly promotes life from conception to natural death. At the 2023 State of the State, Governor Jim Justice expressed his desire to create a $1 million fund for pregnancy help centers who offer life-affirming care across the state.
Governor Justice demonstrated his strong pro-life position by choosing to sign the bill at a pro-life pregnancy center, joined by numerous supporters. Just before signing, Justice encouraged all bill supporters to continue their efforts to provide more funding to these organizations, where families receive education and practical and emotional help as they transition to parenthood. He went on to share the importance that these centers have in helping mothers and their babies succeed in life.
Lead sponsor Delegate Dean Jeffries introduced this bill early in the 2023 legislative session with full support from West Virginians for Life (WVFL). Delegate Jeffries was present for the signing, and can be spotted in various photographs and news clips.
Governor Justice Signing HB 2002, pictured here with WVFL President Wanda Franz (far right) and other pro-life supporters.
Not only does this legislation provide financial support to pro-life pregnancy help organizations, but it also provides adoption incentives too. West Virginians for Life legislative director Sadie Keaton expressed her gratitude for all who participated in making history by passing the Support for Mothers and Babies Act.
“West Virginians elected an overwhelming majority of pro-life legislators to fight for babies, women, and families to be protected from the abortion industry,” she said. “Thank you to all who fight for our most vulnerable, and work tirelessly to create a culture of life in West Virginia.”
“WVFL is proud to be able to participate with so many pro-life supporters in preparing and passing legislation to help support the centers engaged in bringing these innocent lives into a world where they can receive loving care,” said Wanda Franz, President of WVFL.