WV HB2455

Creates the Birth Freedom Act affirming women's right to choose where, how, and with whom they give birth, including at home or outside licensed hospitals, and to decline any treatment or service

Exempts birth centers from certificate of need requirements and prohibits the state from requiring transfer agreements with hospitals or mandating proximity to hospitals/neonatal units as conditions to operate

Allows midwives to attend live births and practice to the full extent of their training, while permitting unlicensed birth attendants to serve women within their distinct cultural or religious communities

Prohibits state agencies from creating new occupational licenses for prenatal, labor/delivery, or postpartum care providers; only the legislature may establish such licenses, and out-of-state licenses are recognized

Requires courts to interpret any ambiguity in maternal care regulations in favor of limiting agency power and maximizing a mother's right to direct her own care