Abortion is banned (once again) in Kentucky

(Via press release from Planned Parenthood)

(Monday, 8/1/22) – Tonight, the Court of Appeals granted Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s motion seeking an emergency stay of the Jefferson Circuit Court’s temporary injunction (TI) that prevented two Kentucky abortion bans from going into effect. The TI was granted on July 22 so the court could consider a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood, EMW Women’s Surgical Center, and others challenging Kentucky’s Trigger Ban and its Six-Week Ban under the state constitution. Abortion is now banned in Kentucky.

Planned Parenthood is committed to helping Kentuckians get the care they need, including helping patients find care out of state. Anyone who needs an abortion should go to abortionfinder.org or call 1-800-230-7526. Patient navigators are ready to help.

Statement from Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky:

“Today is a devastating day for all Kentuckians. Abortion is essential health care, and it is irresponsible and dangerous to prevent people from accessing the care they need. Make no mistake – this ban goes beyond abortion. It is about who has power over you, who has the authority to make decisions for you, and who can control how your future is going to be. But it is my promise to the people of Kentucky that Planned Parenthood will never back down. We will always be here for you.”

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president & CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Tonight, in one fateful moment, Kentuckians saw their reproductive freedom stolen by their elected officials. It is devastating and cruel. But the fight is not over. We will explore all options to ensure that people across the state can access abortion services. This is not a game. These are people’s lives.”

The consequences of Kentucky’s abortion ban will fall largely on people who already face the greatest barriers to health care due to this country’s legacy of racism and discrimination, including Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, people with low incomes, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and people living in rural areas. Experts predict this ban will lead to a 21 percent increase in maternal mortality overall, a rate that rises to 33 percent for Black women.  Kentucky ranks 49th in maternal mortality, which reports show is because states with abortion bans are among the least supportive for mothers and children.

Planned Parenthood remains committed to the people of Kentucky. Kentuckians can continue to count on Planned Parenthood for accurate information.

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