West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB158

Introduced
1/12/22  

Caption

Collecting and analyzing statistical information pertaining to terminating pregnancies under Medicaid Program

Impact

If enacted, SB158 would directly impact the landscape of how health services related to pregnancy termination are documented and analyzed in West Virginia. By requiring health care providers to submit detailed reports devoid of personal identifiers, the bill seeks to ensure patient confidentiality while also facilitating a more structured collection of data. This structured approach is purported to allow the Department of Health and Human Resources to prepare quarterly reports for state leaders, offering insights that could lead to informed policy decisions aimed at addressing any negative conditions identified through the data analysis.

Summary

Senate Bill 158 is designed to amend the West Virginia Code by adding provisions aimed at the collection and analysis of statistical information on pregnancy terminations within the Medicaid Program. The bill recognizes a significant rise in the number of such terminations over the past decade. It mandates health care providers who seek reimbursement for these services to submit detailed reports that will include various factors—medical, physical, mental, social, familial, and economic—contributing to the decision to terminate a pregnancy. The overarching goal of the legislation is to equip the state with the necessary data to adequately address public health concerns associated with these increasing termination numbers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB158 appears to be mixed, reflecting broader societal divisions regarding reproductive rights and healthcare provisions. Supporters of the bill may view it as a necessary step toward understanding the complexities of pregnancy terminations, enabling better healthcare strategies and resources. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the implications for patient privacy, the potential for misuse of collected data, and the overarching moral and ethical considerations tied to regulating and documenting abortion services.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding SB158 include debates around patient privacy, with critics arguing that any form of data collection around pregnancy termination could lead to stigma or unintended consequences for patients. Additionally, concerns about the state's involvement in sensitive health decisions and how the information would be utilized further complicate discussions. Such apprehensions bring the focus to whether the data collection efforts will serve beneficial public health objectives or instead infringe upon reproductive rights and individual autonomy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB116

Collecting and analyzing statistical information pertaining to terminating pregnancies under Medicaid Program

WV SB207

Collecting and analyzing statistical information pertaining to terminating pregnancies under Medicaid Program

WV H1519

Termination of Pregnancies

WV HB1654

Relative to termination of pregnancy statistics.

WV H0093

Termination of Pregnancies

WV HB582

Requiring the division of vital records to collect induced termination of pregnancy statistics.

WV HB3308

Relating to the termination of the authority’s certificate of need program

WV H1139

Termination of Pregnancies

WV H0741

Termination of Pregnancies

WV H1573

Exceptions to the Limitation on Termination of Pregnancies

Similar Bills

WV SB207

Collecting and analyzing statistical information pertaining to terminating pregnancies under Medicaid Program

WV SB116

Collecting and analyzing statistical information pertaining to terminating pregnancies under Medicaid Program

WV HB302

Clarifying West Virginia’s abortion laws

VA HB983

Abortion; basis of genetic disorder, sex, or ethnicity prohibited, penalty.

WV HB2002

Relating to providing support for families

WV SB292

Allowing doula services be covered by Medicaid and PEIA

WV HB2798

Relating to requiring the Health Department to mandate mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 (MPS1) test for newborn babies, to be known as Embie’s Law

WV SB601

WV Human Life Protection Act