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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia lawmakers have overridden the governor's veto on a bill that prohibits abortion after 20 weeks.
Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin vetoed the bill Tuesday, citing constitutionality concerns. The Republican Legislature passed it overwhelmingly this year and the veto was easily overridden.
The ban provides some exemptions for women in medical emergencies, but not for rape and incest.
The bill is based on the assertion that fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks, which is disputed in medical research.
Opponents say it's unconstitutional and intrusive into doctor-patient relationships. Ten other states ban abortions after 20 weeks.
The West Virginia law resembles one that was struck down in Arizona in 2013. The U.S. Supreme Court decided not to reconsider that case.
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