By 77-17 and 22-7 margins, West Virginia’s House and Senate have passed legislation that protects unborn children from abortion except in cases of rape, incest, and certain medical emergencies.

Bishop Mark Brennan of Wheeling-Charleston, whose diocese covers the entire state, welcomed the legislation as “an important step in fostering a sincere culture of life in the Mountain State. It is clear that work remains to be done to soften hearts and create a society that values and protects every human life.”