Bill > HB418

This bill creates new legal protections for individuals seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating abortion services outside of Kentucky. The bill broadly defines "abortion service" and related activities, including researching information, providing financial assistance, transportation, healthcare services, and other forms of support. It establishes comprehensive protections that prevent civil, criminal, or administrative liability for anyone assisting a person in obtaining an abortion in another state where the procedure is legal. The bill prohibits disclosure of medical records related to such actions, protects healthcare professionals from disciplinary actions, prevents businesses from being penalized, and restricts public agencies from impeding interstate travel for abortion services. Additionally, the bill creates a civil cause of action for individuals harmed by violations of these protections, allows damages and attorney's fees, and explicitly waives sovereign immunity for such claims. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not create a right to perform abortions within Kentucky that are otherwise prohibited by state law, but instead focuses on protecting individuals' ability to seek reproductive healthcare across state lines.