The following collection of bills addresses abortion within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. For some, human life and dignity are at stake. For others, a woman’s reproductive rights and privacy. There is nothing more central to our society’s debate over humanity than the question of abortion.
If you would like to let YOUR legislators know YOUR opinion on any of these bills, visit our legislative call center.
(NOTE: House Bill 100 by Rep. R. Goforth is similar, but also has an informed consent component.)
This bill would prohibit an abortion after the detection of a heartbeat, except for medical emergencies.
By: Sen. M. Castlen
Co-Sponsors:
W. Westerfield, R. Alvarado, J. Carpenter, D. Carroll, C. Embry Jr., R. Girdler, E. Harris, J. Higdon, P. Hornback, S. Meredith, R. Mills, A. Robinson, J. Schickel, D. Seum, B. Smith, D. Thayer, M. Wilson, M. Wise
THE DEBATE
Advocates Say:
The presence of a heartbeat indicates life. Furthermore, the unborn child has distinctly different DNA than its mother. Therefore, once a heartbeat is detected, it is not just about a woman’s body, but abortion is the killing of an innocent and helpless person. The state has a compelling interest in protecting life.
Opponents Say:
This law is unconstitutional. It is none of government’s business what a woman does with her own body. It should be between the woman and her doctor. Life doesn’t begin until the baby is born.
Introduced in Senate & 1st Reading (01/08/2019)
2nd Reading (01/09/2019)
This bill would clarify in law that medications given by a physician with the intent of causing an abortion must be reported as an abortion and included in the statistical reporting done by the Kentucky Bureau of Vital Statistics.
By: Sen. R. Mills
Co-Sponsors:
D. Carroll, M. Castlen, C. Embry Jr., S. Meredith, D. Thayer, M. Wilson, M. Wise
THE DEBATE
Advocates Say:
Chemical abortions are becoming more common and current law is unclear. Such abortions are a combination of potent medications that cause the death and expulsion of an unborn child and should be reported.
Opponents Say:
This law is unnecessary because most abortions are already reported. This is another attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade. This is an undue burden on women and their physicians.
Passed the Senate 30-6 (01/11/2019)
This bill would prohibit an abortion if the pregnant woman is seeking the abortion, in whole or in part, because of an unborn child’s sex, race, color, national origin, or disability.
By: Rep. M. Prunty
Co-Sponsors:
N. Tate, R. Bridges, J. DuPlessis, L. Elkins, J. Fischer, D. Frazier, C. Fugate, M. Hart, R. Huff, S. Lee, S. Maddox, D. Meade , T. Moore, W. Thomas, T. Turner, R. Webber
THE DEBATE
Advocates Say:
We must resist efforts to create “designer babies” where children who do not meet certain “requirements” are discarded. A preborn child should not be killed simply because of their sex, race or perceived disability.
Opponents Say:
It is a woman’s right to choose if she wants a child, which child, and under what circumstances. Government must not limit her choices. This is just another attempt to take away reproductive freedom.
Introduced in House (01/10/2019)
This bill would prohibit an abortion after the detection of a heartbeat, except for medical emergencies.
This bill ALSO has a backup plan… If a court prevents the abortion ban from going into effect, a woman must be provided with information and then a 24 hour waiting period is required before an abortion can be performed after the detection of a heartbeat.
By: Rep. R. Goforth
THE DEBATE
Advocates Say:
The presence of a heartbeat indicates life. Furthermore, the unborn child has distinctly different DNA than its mother. Therefore, once a heartbeat is detected it is not just about a woman’s body, but abortion is the killing of an innocent individual person. The state has a compelling interest in protecting life.
Opponents Say:
This law is unconstitutional. It is none of government’s business what a woman does with her own body. It should be up to the woman and her doctor to decide. Life begins once the baby is born.
Introduced in House (01/08/2019)
Should either Roe v. Wade be overturned or an amendment to the Constitution restore Kentucky’s authority to prohibit abortion, this bill would prohibit abortion except to protect the life or physical health of the mother.
By: Rep. J. Fischer
Co-Sponsors:
N. Tate, L. Bechler, K. Bratcher, M. Dossett, J. DuPlessis, L. Elkins, D. Elliott, D. Frazier, C. Fugate, D. Hale, M. Hart, R. Huff, T. Huff, K. King, M. Koch, S. Lee, S. Maddox, C. Massey, B. McCool, D. Meade , T. Moore, K. Moser, M. Prunty, B. Reed, S. Riley, R. Rothenburger, B. Rowland, S. Rudy, S. Santoro, D. St. Onge, W. Thomas, T. Turner, R. Webber
THE DEBATE
Advocates Say:
Innocent, helpless unborn children should not be denied the basic human right to life. Life is precious and must be protected. Abortions are being used as birth control and even “celebrated” by their advocates. A society that condones the killing of its most helpless and innocent members is a society in decline.
Opponents Say:
If abortion is not legal, women will die. They will be forced into back alleys again. This is nothing more than a patriarchal, regressive plot to subjugate women. It is a woman’s right, alone, to choose.
Introduced in House (01/10/2019)
Upcoming Committee Hearing – Feb. 13 @ Noon
