Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

The newly enacted ultrasound law requires abortionists to provide an ultrasound picture of the unborn child at least 24-hours before an abortion. It took 12 years to pass such a law and opponents are still decrying the law as a burden to women seeking an abortion. They are essentially arguing that women are better off with less medical information when making one of the most important decisions in their lives. Such opposition implies that the woman cannot handle the ultrasound information about her unborn child. It passed the House in its first ever floor vote by a margin of 83-12. It passed the Senate by a  32-5 margin. Such legislation shouldn't be partisan but should be viewed through the grid of common sense and common good.

Attorney General Andy Beshear said he will defend the law that is now being challenged by the ACLU. However, pro-life advocates are concerned that he will not effectively defend the law. This is because Beshear announced he will refuse to defend the recently enacted Pain-capable Unborn Child Protection Act which bans abortions at  20 weeks. Such equivocation leaves pro-lifers leary of Beshear's commitment to providing the best defense for the Ultrasound law.. 

Kentucky joins 25 other states that have similar laws mandating that abortionists provide ultrasounds to women in their care. An additional 15 states have abortion bans at 20-weeks.