CPC Calls on Legislature to Override Gov. Beshear’s Veto of HB 90

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CPC Calls on Legislature to Override Gov. Beshear’s Veto of HB 90
March 24, 2025 
CONTACT: Richard Nelson (richard@commonwealthpolicy.org) 

(Frankfort, KY) – Beshear Vetoes Law Clarifying Abortion Definitions

Yesterday, Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed HB 90, which clarified what abortion is and what it isn’t. It also defined “reasonable medical judgment” for healthcare workers who assist women in life-threatening pregnancies. “Gov. Beshear’s veto demonstrates a greater commitment to Planned Parenthood than to healthcare providers who’ve asked for clarity in the law,” said Commonwealth Policy Center Executive Director Richard Nelson. “The governor’s choice to keep healthcare policy muddled doesn’t help frontline professionals helping women who are facing life-threatening pregnancies.”

Abortion advocates previously argued that there was lack of clarity in the law regarding such life-threatening situations. HB 90 defines several medical situations that clarify removal of a failed or life-threatening pregnancy. Such pregnancies include: ectopic and molar pregnancy, sepsis treatment, hemorrhage control, management of stillbirth and fetal demise, and other life-threatening situations. “The only thing the veto accomplishes is assisting Planned Parenthood and the abortion lobby further their rhetoric against any abortion restrictions in the Commonwealth,” Nelson said. “In the end, women will suffer the most if the veto is allowed to stand.”

HB 90 originally addressed free-standing birthing centers and legalizes them. The bill eventually added language that clarifies abortion terminology and contained language that acknowledges the “unborn baby” in state statute.

Commonwealth Policy Center calls on the state legislature to override Gov. Beshear’s veto of HB 90. The legislature convenes tomorrow and Friday for the two day override session.