On the opening day of the Kentucky Legislature three anti-abortion measures were filed and placed on the fast track for passage. Senate Bill 5 bans abortion at 20 weeks. Senate Bill 8 seeks to defund reproductive health care providers like Planned Parenthood. House Bill 2 makes unnecessary ultrasounds the standard before an abortion.
Kentuckians from every corner of the Commonwealth gathered in unity in Frankfort on the second day of the session to show their commitment to protecting reproductive freedom in the commonwealth. The ACLU of Kentucky Reproductive Freedom Project, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana and Kentucky, and reproductive rights allies organized the “We ARE Kentucky: Days of Action for Repro Rights” events for the opening week of the 2017 General Assembly to voice opposition to lawmaker attempts to limit access to abortion.
At a press conference, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana and Kentucky External Affairs Director Tamarri Wieder spoke directly to lawmakers.
“Governor Bevin, Speaker Hoover, and Leader Stivers: What happens between my doctor and I is none of your business, and you would do well to remember that,” said Wieder. “This is about trust, and my decisions are based on medically accurate facts free from bias and political interference.”
Kentucky is currently seeing a stronger than ever push by abortion opponents to limit access to reproductive health education, care, and services. The state has only one operating abortion clinic in downtown Louisville.
Several women who have had abortions shared their experiences at a press conference. Katie Martin of Louisville expressed her frustration that hard-won reproductive rights are constantly facing rollbacks.
“Most things in life aren’t simple, and that includes abortion,” said Martin. “For the life of me I cannot understand why we are still fighting these measures, measures that stand in the way of a woman being able to make the best decision for herself and her family.”
This legislative session measures are being advanced at unprecedented speed. Things are moving so quickly, members of the public and press were unable to obtain copies of the 20-week abortion ban and ultrasound bills before they received a reading and were headed to committee for a vote.
ACLU of Kentucky Advocacy Director Kate Miller warned of the dangers of these and similar measures, and their true intent. She stated, “Evidence shows that these types of laws undermine the health and jeopardize the lives of women.” Miller added, “These laws are about shaming and coercing a woman who has made the decision to have an abortion.”
TAKE ACTION: Click the link at the top of the article to email your legislators AND call 1-800-372-7181 and ask your legislators to vote no on Senate Bills 5 and 8 and House Bill 2.
