Planned Parenthood Statement on Kentucky’s Six-Week Abortion Ban

Washington, DC -- Yesterday, a last-minute court ruling allowed Kentucky’s only abortion provider, EMW Women’s Surgical Center, to continue seeing patients after Gov. Bevin signed Senate Bill 9, which bans abortions as early as six weeks, into law. This leaves abortion hanging hanging in the balance in Kentucky. Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky released the following statements.

Dr. Leana Wen, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

It is devastating that a post-Roe world is no longer a hypothetical. Kentucky politicians are putting the lives of people at risk by criminalizing abortion - a safe, standard medical procedure. The reality is banning abortion at six weeks means banning abortion before many people even know they’re pregnant. Patients must be empowered to make their own health care decisions, in consultation with their doctor and family. And doctors must be able to provide comprehensive health care for our patients, without the fear of prison time. With Trump in the White House and Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court, time is of the essence to pass policies that will protect abortion access. Planned Parenthood stands by its partners at EMW Women’s Surgical Center and the ACLU in fighting back to ensure every person can once again access safe, legal abortion in Kentucky.

Chris Charbonneau, CEO, Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky:

After Governor Bevin signed SB9 into law in the middle of the night, abortion became inaccessible to most. The last remaining abortion provider, EMW Women’s Surgical Center is fighting to remain a resource for Kentuckians. This bill and the multitude of others like it to pass the Kentucky General Assembly are designed to punish pregnant people, plain and simple. Politicians should not be involved in personal medical decisions about pregnancy. We don’t turn to politicians for advice about mammograms, prenatal care, contraception or cancer treatment for abnormal pap tests. Abortion is a deeply personal and often complex decision. Abortion must remain safe and legal in Kentucky, and we are mobilizing together with our partners to ensure that no Kentuckian finds themselves without support for their health care needs.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky’s (PPINK) mission is to serve persons in Indiana and Kentucky —without bias or judgment, without fear, without fail — by providing access to high-quality health care confidentially and compassionately; by reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections through age-appropriate and accurate sexual health education; and by advocating for freedom of individual choice in all matters of sexual health and reproductive justice.

PPINK’s doors are open to all who need care and we provide our services in a confidential, compassionate and non-judgmental manner. Learn more at www.ppink.org.