Kentucky: No Abortions in August, September, Only 2 in October

Thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and Kentucky banning nearly all abortions, the Bluegrass state saw abortions drop to zero in August and September. In October, there were only two abortions. 

After the Supreme Court made its ruling on June 24, 2022, a “trigger” law went into effect in Kentucky, allowing a near-ban on all abortions except in cases where the life of the mother is at risk, the Human Life Protection Act, and a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, the Heartbeat Bill. Neither law allows exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest. 

Despite a challenge by pro-choice groups, the trigger law was upheld by the Kentucky Court of Appeals and the two abortion restrictions went into effect. 

In July, abortions dramatically declined, reported Kentucky Today, and in August and September there were no abortions. 

In October, based on information from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, there were two surgical abortions.  Both were performed reportedly to save the life of the mother. 

According to LifeNews.com, in the past there were about 4,000 abortions per year in Kentucky.

Also, a “recent Civiqs poll found 53 percent of Kentucky voters believe abortions should be illegal in most or all cases, compared to 43 percent who believe abortions should be legal in most or all cases.”

Commenting on the situation, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the ACLU of Kentucky issued a statement claiming the abortion bans put “nearly a million people’s health care in jeopardy. Abortion is not only health care but also a critical individual freedom.”

“Make no mistake: abortion bans result in tragic health outcomes and are a form of control over our bodies,” they said.  “Despite this setback, the fight continues. We will proceed with our case to restore and protect reproductive freedom in Kentucky. Politicians and the government should never have the authority to force a person to remain pregnant against their will.”

Planned Parenthood and the EMW Women’s Surgical Center are challenging the bans at the Kentucky Supreme Court. 

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