Bill > HB23

This bill establishes protections for individuals seeking or assisting with reproductive healthcare, specifically abortions, outside of Kentucky. It defines "abortion service" broadly to include the procedure itself and any related care, and clarifies that "seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating" encompasses a wide range of actions from research and financial assistance to transportation and referrals. The bill explicitly states that no person, physician, healthcare provider, agency, employer, or other entity will face civil, criminal, or administrative penalties for aiding or encouraging someone in obtaining a lawful abortion service outside of Kentucky, including those involving abortion-inducing drugs taken in another state. Furthermore, medical records related to these protected actions will be shielded from disclosure or sale for investigative purposes, and licensed professionals and businesses will not face disciplinary action or operational penalties for their involvement. The bill also prohibits public agencies from enforcing regulations that impede travel for lawful out-of-state abortions or assisting others in doing so. It creates a civil cause of action for individuals harmed by violations of these protections, allowing them to sue for damages, and the Commonwealth waives its sovereign immunity for such lawsuits. Importantly, this bill does not create a right to an abortion within Kentucky if it is otherwise prohibited by state law.

Justice

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb23.html