Added telehealth provision still allows limit on reproductive freedom in the commonwealth     

The Kentucky House today passed anti-abortion measure SB4, which requires counseling 24 hours prior to an abortion. A House floor amendment and committee substitute added this evening allow for the use of telehealth to complete the counseling requirement.

SB4 adds an unnecessary barrier to safe and legal abortion procedures.

Derek Selznick, American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky Reproductive Freedom Project Director, had this comment:

"Senate Bill 4, despite language added in committee, remains an attempt by legislators to interfere with patients and the care they deserve from medical care providers, masquerading itself as a bill that helps Kentucky women. While the inclusion of language embracing new technologies allowing patients easier and more convenient access to counseling is admirable, and an idea whose time has come, we remain strongly opposed to this legislation. Legislators were not elected to provide medical advice or care to Kentucky women and should have greater respect for the women and medical professionals they represent."