FRANKFORT, Ky. — A state senator wants to add exceptions to Kentucky’s near-total abortion ban.
David Yates, D-Louisville, announced his intention to file a bill doing so Tuesday morning.
The bill would create exceptions for victims of rape or incest, nonviable pregnancies and the health of a pregnant woman. Under the current law, abortions can only be performed to save the life of the mother.
“Look, what choice a victim makes should be between their medical doctor, themselves, their god should not be made by the commonwealth of Kentucky, should not be made by legislators here in this building,” Yates said during a news conference Tuesday. “It’s wrong. It’s cruel. It’s overreaching government intrusion into the midst of those in trauma.”
Yates has named his proposal “Hadley’s Law” after rape survivor Hadley Duvall. She was featured in a campaign ad by Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., last year in which she called out his opponent, Daniel Cameron, and the state’s current abortion law.
“I’m here with a clear message to say that unless you’ve been in this position, you have no idea what any woman or girl is going through,” Duvall said. “I’ve told my story before in interviews and ads. I was sexually abused by my stepfather for years before I became pregnant at the age of 12. It took me a while to find my voice, but now that I have, I intend to keep using it to speak out for other girls and women who need it.”
Last year a similar bill adding exceptions for rape and incest was filed in the House by State Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, but it did not advance.
During Tuesday’s announcement, Beshear expressed his support for Yates’ bill and Duvall.
“And I want to make it clear, that if this bill is to pass both chambers, I will sign it immediately when it reaches my desk, or whenever Hadley tells me she wants to sign it, in whichever ceremony she would like to hold,” Beshear said.
Senate President Robert Stiver, R-Manchester, told reporters Monday Yates’ bill will be given a committee assignment.