FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Legislature Clarifies Abortion Law
March 17, 2025
CONTACT: Richard Nelson (richard@commonwealthpolicy.org)
(Frankfort, KY) – On Thursday, the Kentucky State legislature clarified the definition of abortion under state law. Since Kentucky’s Trigger law went into effect, banning most abortions, critics raised concerns that women with life-threatening pregnancy complications might not receive the medical care they need. HB 90 addresses these concerns by clarifying which procedures are not considered abortions.
“Commonwealth Policy Center applauds the passage of HB 90,” said CPC Executive Director Richard Nelson. “The bill legalizes free-standing birthing centers and brings much-needed clarity to health professionals who were previously uncertain about what constitutes an abortion under Kentucky law.” Nelson went on: “This bill is clearly pro-woman and pro-child, as it acknowledges the unborn as a ‘child’ and asserts that ‘the right to life is the most fundamental human right, forming the basis for all other rights.'”
Pro-abortion advocates had mistakenly claimed that Kentucky’s abortion ban would prevent doctors from treating conditions such as miscarriages, molar pregnancies, hemorrhaging, ectopic pregnancies, and other life-threatening pregnancy-related issues. HB 90 clarifies that Kentucky health professionals should use “reasonable medical judgment” to save the mother’s life and preserve her health. The bill also exempts nine procedures or situations that are not classified as abortions under Kentucky law.
The bill is now on its way to Governor Andy Beshear’s desk, and it remains unclear whether he will sign it into law.
