Governor Beshear used his Friday 5 PM briefing to veto SB 9.

The Courier-Journal reported online at about 6:30 PM, as well as in today’s print newspaper:

Gov. Andy Beshear has vetoed a bill that would hand new power to Attorney General Daniel Cameron to regulate abortion clinics and also require abortions be suspended as an elective procedure during the coronavirus pandemic.

Senate Bill 9 passed in the final hours of the 2020 General Assembly on April 15, also requires doctors to try to save any infant born alive, including after a failed abortion.

At this writing the veto has not yet been posted to the state website.

Reacting, Margie Montgomery expressed “extreme disappointment.” She and thousands of prolifers had politely but firmly sent emails and petitions to the governor pleading with him to uphold the measure either by letting it go into effect without his signature or courageously signing it.

Senator Whitney Westerfield, chief sponsor of SB 9, last week predicted Beshear would veto the bill. He said Friday night that he is “supremely disappointed” with the veto.

“This governor once again demonstrated his hostility to unborn life,” said Westerfield. “If the Lord is willing, I will file this bill on the first day of the 2021 session.”

Polls across America consistently show upwards of 80% of the public support Born Alive protections.

Interestingly, in his veto declaration, Beshear didn’t mention the merged aspect of the bill that provided Attorney General Daniel Cameron with authority to investigate the state’s two abortion clinics.

Cameron called on the Beshear administration earlier to end abortion procedures in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement Friday night he called the veto “reprehensible.” Read the entire statement here.

Rally draws large turnout from across Kentucky!

The venue was called "the People's House" by Daniel Cameron who promised to support all pro-life legislation and pursue successful passage of pro-life laws all the way to the Supreme Court if nededed! Excellent speeches by Secretary of State Michael Adams, Treasurer Allison Ball, Auditor Mike Harmon, Senate leader Robert Stivers, House leader David Osborne and many others were also enjoyed.

See the slideshow. | Watch KRLA's Facebook and Twitter pages for legislative news.
Media coverage:

Lawmakers at Rally for Life say they will continue fight for voiceless

Hundreds rally for Right to Life as Gov. Beshear opens doors for Planned Parenthood

Abortion opponents find ally in new attorney general

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Chad Meredith has been appointed solicitor general for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Attorney General-elect Daniel Cameron announced Wednesday. In this role, Meredith will serve as the state’s advocate for appellate litigation.

Meredith previously coordinated and oversaw appellate litigation involving executive branch agencies in the administration of former Gov. Matt Bevin.

“Chad’s experience advocating for Kentucky within the appellate court system makes him an ideal choice to serve as solicitor general,” said Cameron. “Many of Kentucky’s most pressing and significant legal issues are decided on appeal, and I know that Chad will represent the best interests of Kentuckians.”

Read more.

Attorney Meredith has argued many cases for pro-life laws, including the Transfer Agreement case at the Sixth District Appellate Court last summer.