Bill > HB476

This bill proposes to amend the Constitution of Kentucky by adding a new section that would establish an individual's fundamental right to reproductive freedom, encompassing decisions about pregnancy, including prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility care, and would prevent the state from denying, burdening, or infringing upon this right unless justified by a compelling state interest achieved through the least restrictive means. While the Commonwealth could regulate abortion after fetal viability, it could not prohibit an abortion if a health care professional determines it is medically necessary to protect the pregnant person's life or physical or mental health; the bill also forbids discrimination in enforcing this right and prohibits the state from penalizing or prosecuting individuals for their pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage or abortion, or for assisting another person in exercising their reproductive freedom with consent. The proposed amendment, along with the ballot question, will be submitted to Kentucky voters for ratification or rejection, with specific provisions outlined for publication and certification to ensure public awareness and proper ballot placement.

Government Affairs

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb476.html