Ye scurvy dogs be tryin' to sneak in exceptions to the abortion ban in Kentucky. Watch yer backs! Arrr!
2024-02-27
Avast ye mateys! Thar be talk of changin' them abortion laws in Kentucky. They be tryin' to make exceptions for lasses who be with child from a scurvy rapscallion or a knave from incest. 'Tis a fine kettle o' fish!
In a swashbuckling fashion, legislation to ease Kentucky's abortion ban by creating exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest was introduced by Republican state Rep. Ken Fleming. The bill, filed on the last day new House bills could be introduced, faces uncertain prospects in the GOP-dominated House.Kentucky's near-total abortion ban has been in effect since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Fleming's proposal aims to allow abortions in cases of rape, incest, or lethal fetal anomaly if done within six weeks of the woman's last menstrual period.The bill also includes provisions to document the circumstances surrounding abortions performed under state law. Last year, a similar attempt to relax the abortion ban failed to gain traction in the legislature.The abortion issue was a focal point in Kentucky's recent governor's race, with Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear criticizing his Republican challenger's support for the ban. The state's Supreme Court refused to strike down the ban, leaving unanswered questions about abortion access in Kentucky.Despite legal challenges, Kentucky is one of 14 states with a ban on abortions at all stages of pregnancy. Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, many Republican-controlled states have implemented abortion bans at various stages of pregnancy.