HB3 Veto Must be Vetoed!
↤ KRLA ForumSpeaking on behalf of Kentucky Right to Life, our Right to Life Chapters across the Commonwealth, and Prolife Kentuckians, I doubt if anyone is surprised by the Governor’s decision to veto House Bill 3. But I am disappointed. The Governor, having served previously as Kentucky Attorney General and the former chief law-enforcement officer and prosecutor for our Commonwealth, knows well the issues of human trafficking, abuse and exploitation of women and girls, which contribute to the very real risks associated with mail-order abortion.
House Bill 3 addresses multiple issues impacting the health of minor girls and women across the Commonwealth. As a result of the FDA’s decision to stop enforcing their longstanding health guidelines for issuing RU486, a two-pill regimen for non-surgical abortions, the in-person meeting with a medical provider, counseling, and ultrasound have been replaced with do-it-yourself at-home abortions via mail order.
Kentucky women deserve better than risky do-it-yourself, mail-order-abortions!
Without an in-person consultation between a pregnant woman or minor girl and a medical professional, not only is it difficult to assess any serious risk factors such as an ectopic pregnancy, pre-existing conditions or the presence of STIs– sexual transmitted infections, but the door is left wide open for vulnerable women and girls to be physically forced into an unwanted or quick decision on abortion.
The Governor states that there is no exception for rape and incest. The issues of rape and incest are extremely sensitive and personal matters, and those harmed by sexual violence often carry a lifetime of scars. Unfortunately, those who oppose any restrictions on abortions often insert rape and incest to undermine the legislation. The fact that statements on HB3 are made about such tragic and life-impacting matters as rape or incest without fully reading the bill, especially Section 1, and understanding the bill, is a political travesty. Section 1 explicitly indicates exceptions for sexual abuse and sexual abuse by the minor girl’s parent.
Kentucky Right to Life has led the State for 50 years advocating for an end to abortion and today remains unwavering in its support for the dignity and sanctity of life, especially the unborn. We advocate for prolife justice, justice for the children and their mothers.
A woman facing an unplanned pregnancy deserves the opportunity to learn about her options other than abortion, and deserves for her reproductive health to be respected rather than thrown down to a mail-order solution for such a serious, life-impacting decision, such as terminating the life of her child.