KY doctors: GOP lawmakers’ attempt to clarify abortion ban confuses instead
With a few days left in the 2025 legislative session, Republican lawmakers pushed through a bill they say should reassure doctors they can rely on their medical judgment when treating pregnancy complications, despite the state’s abortion ban.
But some Kentucky doctors said the wording of House Bill 90, in an effort to clarify the ban, is “junk language,” which confuses them even more than current law.
Tamarra Weider, Kentucky state director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, said dozens of health care providers have signed onto a letter asking Gov. Andy Beshear to veto it.
“I think it’s also important to note that House Bill 90 changes the definition of medical emergency in Kentucky law,” Weider pointed out. “The current law gives providers the authority to make decisions in emergencies but this bill would allow judges to decide whether care was truly necessary.”
Some Kentucky OB/GYNs said the state’s abortion ban is forcing them to violate their oath as physicians and causing “devastating consequences” for patients. Two House Republicans brought forth the language, which was supported largely along party lines. Supporters said the bill will help save lives.
Weider noted physicians accused of violating Kentucky’s abortion ban can be charged with a Class D felony and imprisoned, if convicted.
“I think that this is going to continue to chill doctors, continue to chill hospitals, and their lawyers and administrators,” Weider emphasized. “Because it puts forward more confusion, more ambiguity.”
The legislation said, “no action that requires separating a pregnant woman from her unborn child shall be performed, except the following, when performed by a physician based upon his or her reasonable medical judgment.” Doctors said the use of “reasonable medical judgment” still does not protect providers from legal action.
This story is based on original reporting by Sarah Ladd for the Kentucky Lantern.
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