Latest news with #ACLUKentucky
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lawmakers override Gov. Beshear's abortion, maternal health veto
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky lawmakers have voted to override Gov. Andy Beshear's veto of House Bill 90. The bill's supporters said it is meant to bring clarity to doctors now fearful of breaking Kentucky law for terminating pregnancies while treating expectant mothers experiencing complications. Kentucky governor vetoes GOP abortion bill, says it undermines doctors and endangers pregnant women 'Although supporters of House Bill 90 claim it protects pregnant women and clarifies abortion law in Kentucky, it actually does the opposite,' Beshear said in his veto message. Beshear said the bill would restrict health care and put the lives of women with high-risk pregnancies on the line. 'House Bill 90 addresses the critical need to improve maternal health and access to maternal health care within our Commonwealth, including establishing a framework for the introduction of freestanding birthing centers, as well as clarifying existing abortion laws by providing clearer guidelines for doctors treating complex pregnancies. It was crafted with the participation of multiple stakeholders—including physicians who provide obstetric and gynecological care to Kentucky women each and every day,' Representative Jason Nemes, the sponsor of HB 90 said. The bill saw a last-minute addition before heading to the governor's desk. It initially aimed to create a framework for freestanding birthing centers in the Commonwealth, something many patients have crossed the Ohio River to obtain. Louisville man accused of trafficking over 4 pounds of meth on I-64 in Midway Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear displays his colors in veto fights with Republican lawmakers Where is the top-rated seafood restaurant in Kentucky? Yelp has the answer 'Unfortunately, at the 11th hour, lawmakers attached HB 414 to the bill,' Angela Cooper, ACLU Kentucky, wrote. Specifically, the bill noted that termination of a pregnancy complicated 'by a fetal anomaly' or 'the result of rape or incest' doesn't constitute an 'unlawful abortion.' However, it will ensure pregnant women experiencing a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or other life-threatening complications can receive care. 'It's also a continuing process, and we are committed to having those continued conversations, but I don't want to mislead anybody. Kentucky is a pro-life state, and it will stay such. But if we have to do things to continue to improve the lives of pregnant women in danger and to help doctors, we are committed to doing that,' Rep. Nemes said. 'I'm proud of this. Some people say I'm more devastated than this than they've ever been. I'm prouder now, in this moment when I'm standing out here than I've ever been, because this will save lives.' Read more of the latest news in politics The bill passed in the House 74–17 before being sent to the governor's desk. Beshear's veto is now nullified, paving the way for HB 90 to become Kentucky law. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kentucky birthing center bill advances to Beshear's desk, but with last-minute addition
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — A bill that aims to provide expecting mothers more options for delivery saw a last-minute addition. House Bill 90 focused on paving the way for freestanding birthing centers in the Commonwealth, something many patients have crossed the Ohio River to obtain. The bill, which has bipartisan support, passed the House on Thursday morning, but not without receiving a last-minute addition. Eubank man accused in 2 rape cases involving missing girl claims he's the victim Kentucky birthing center bill advances to Beshear's desk, but with last-minute addition West Liberty man charged with rape, incest of 2 underage girls 'Unfortunately, at the 11th hour, lawmakers attached HB 414 to the bill,' Angela Cooper, ACLU Kentucky, wrote. House Bill 414 focuses on perinatal palliative care, an approach to maximize the quality of life and comfort for a newborn with a variety of life-threatening conditions. The bill outlines raised exceptions to the Kentucky abortion ban, providing a guideline for medical providers. Specifically, the bill noted that termination of a pregnancy complicated 'by a fetal anomaly' or 'the result of rape or incest' doesn't constitute an 'unlawful abortion.' 'The latest iteration of House Bill 414 indicates the Kentucky General Assembly recognizes that when people experience pregnancy complications that put their lives at risk, they should receive appropriate medical care,' Amber Duke, executive director of the ACLU Kentucky, said. 'However, this bill does nothing to restore the right to abortion in the Commonwealth. We will continue to fight to ensure that all Kentuckians, regardless of their circumstances, will be able to receive the abortion care that they need.' 'Make no mistake: Kentucky's existing ban will remain firmly in place, and these so-called 'exceptions' do nothing to mitigate the chilling effect that drives providers out of the state—or forces them into fear of prosecution for delivering what should be basic health care,' Planned Parenthood said in reaction to the passage of HB 90. Trump threatens 200% tariff on European wine Oversight Democrats launch review of crypto reserve 'poised to enrich' Trump Kentucky birthing center bill advances to Beshear's desk, but with last-minute addition The bill's sponsor, Rep. Jason Nemes (R) of Louisville, argued that the legislation would save lives, not put them at risk. 'It's also a continuing process, and we are committed to having those continued conversations, but I don't want to mislead anybody. Kentucky is a pro-life state, and it will stay such. But if we have to do things to continue to improve the lives of pregnant women in danger and to help doctors, we are committed to doing that,' Rep. Nemes said. 'I'm proud of this. Some people say I'm more devastated than this than they've ever been. I'm prouder now, in this moment when I'm standing out here than I've ever been, because this will save lives.' HB 90 passed in the House 74–17 and is headed to Gov. Andy Beshear's desk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
