LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The battle over abortion access continues at the Kentucky capitol as two bills aim to allow abortion exemptions for victims of rape and incest.
Republican Sen. Ken Fleming filed the most recent bill. While it would allow exceptions for rape and incest, it would only allow abortions if done before six weeks.
It would also create a process for physicians to document the circumstances surrounding an abortion.
Meanwhile, "Hadley's Law" was filed by Democratic Sen. David Yates back in January.
It aimed to create greater exceptions for rape and incest. It would also allow abortions if there is a fetal anomaly, and the child wouldn't survive outside the womb.
But Planned Parenthood said these exceptions are too restrictive.
"Most people don't even know that they're pregnant at six weeks," Director Tamarra Wieder said. "And so when you're creating a policy, especially for victims of rape and incest, to only have access to abortion, up until six weeks of pregnancy, this is the time that they are starting to find out that they are pregnant."
Kentucky Right to Life, a pro-life organization, said they are opposing Fleming's bill, saying it could be "potentially legalizing the intentional termination of a human life."
"Addressing the sensitive matter of rape and incest, it's crucial to recognize the profound trauma experienced by victims who deserve utmost compassion, support, and specialized care," they said in a statement to WHAS11 News. "While a small percentage of abortions occur due to rape and incest, societal expectations for women to undergo abortion due to the actions of perpetrators further compound the initial violence."
This comes as Kentucky doctors, healthcare providers and medical students met at the capitol on Wednesday to call for the repeal of Kentucky's abortion ban.
The medical professionals called the current laws dangerous and restrictive, saying complex health decisions should be between a healthcare provider and patient, without the interference of lawmakers.
"The sanctity of the doctor/patient relationship has been violated by these laws," Dr. Nancy Newman said. "Patients can no longer trust that when they come to us- what they tell us wont be made readily available to the press of public."
The group, called the Kentucky Physicians for Reproductive Freedom, said they are gravely concerned for the wellbeing of Kentuckians, particularly women.
More than 280 Kentucky doctors signed their name to the document, calling for the Kentucky state legislature to repeal the current abortion ban.
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