Andy Beshear on Abortion

	Andy Beshear on Abortion

Veto bill limiting abortion to emergency situations

HB90: Define "freestanding birthing center"; and establish licensure standards for freestanding birthing centers.

Planned Parenthood Press release 3/26/25: HB 90 is an attempt to further restrict reproductive health care under Kentucky's abortion ban that, according to a letter signed by 85 health care providers, would endanger Kentuckians' lives "by forcing pregnant patients into medical crises before allowing abortion care & continuing to limit providers exercising their best medical judgement."

Kentucky Lantern summary 3/25/25: "House Bill 90 creates an exhaustive list of specific emergency situations in which abortion may be provided to save the life of the mother. No one, including legislators, can possibly create an exhaustive list of emergency situations. Gaps in the law are literally a matter of life and death."

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 82-9-9 on Mar/6/25; passed Senate 29-0-9 on Mar/13/25; Vetoed by Gov.Beshear on Mar/25/25.

Source: Kentucky Lantern on Kentucky voting record HB90 , Mar 6, 2025

Defend law requiring ultrasound before abortion

Beshear joined an ACLU in a lawsuit to prevent the Bevin administration from shutting down Kentucky's only abortion clinic after the state moved to enforce regulations requiring the clinic to have mandatory patient transfer agreements with an ambulance service and hospital.

But Beshear has also defended a law passed in 2017 that requires doctors to perform an ultrasound and describe the results of that procedure to a woman seeking an abortion. He said he has an obligation at attorney general to defend state laws if their constitutionality is unclear. "It is also my duty to defend laws where the constitutionality is questionable and finality is needed," Beshear said at the time. "Adhering to these duties is why, after close review, my agencies will defend the agencies sued over HB 2 that seek our representation." A federal court recently upheld the law.

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader on Kentucky voting record HB2 , May 20, 2019

Endorsed by NARAL; will defend women's right to choose

Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear picked up a last-minute endorsement from a staunch national abortion rights group in his bid to win the Democratic nomination for governor. The National Association to Repeal Abortion Laws, also known as NARAL, said they endorsed Beshear in a tight race on the eve of Kentucky's primary election because he represents the best chance to beat Republican Gov. Matt Bevin in November.

"Kentucky women and families deserve someone who will fight for them as governor, and Andy Beshear has always been there to defend Kentuckians' rights and freedoms," said the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. "Kentucky is one of several states that passed an extreme ban on abortion this year, criminalizing abortion before many women even know they're pregnant, in large part due to anti-choice governor Matt Bevin."

Beshear's running mate for lieutenant governor, Jacqueline Coleman, says she now supports abortion rights but ran in 2014 as a "pro-life Democrat."

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader on 2019 Kentucky Gubernatorial race , May 20, 2019

I'm pro-choice and I support Roe v. Wade

Q: What will you do to expand or restrict access to reproductive health care?

A: Yes, I'm pro-choice and I support Roe v. Wade. I have consistently taken action to stand up to the legislature and Matt Bevin when they have pushed to undermine women's reproductive freedom. I think the parameters set forth in Roe v. Wade have the balance about right and I would not support changes to them. As governor I would move to codify Roe v. Wade into state law if the Supreme Court overturned the decision.

Source: Louisville Courier-Journal on 2019 Kentucky governor's race , May 10, 2019

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