Legislature 2009: Abortion

Despite apparent majorities in both chambers of the Legislature, and with Gov. Joe Manchin in their camp, "it's been four years since abortion opponents in the Mountain State have scored a major legislative victory," The Associated Press reports.

Not that lawmakers have completely ignored the issue, as they "have so far introduced 52 bills that would restrict abortion or declare that it isn't a right under the state constitution," the article said.

But with the recession and the attention required for the massive federal stimulus funding, "the pressing concerns of the economy may take away lawmakers' desire for what could be a fight on a contentious abortion bill," AP's Tom Breen writes.

The article also notes that "the largest anti-abortion group, West Virginians for Life, has seen bills it favors languish in committees and has experienced significant leadership turnover in recent years."