Actions Taken On Abortion-Related Legislation In Kentucky, Tennessee

Main Category: Abortion
Article Date: 16 Jan 2008 - 12:00 PDT

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The following highlights recent news of state actions on abortion-related legislation.

• Kentucky: Sen. Jack Westwood (R) last week introduced a measure that would require women seeking an abortion to undergo an ultrasound and discuss the results with their doctors before undergoing the procedure, the AP/Lexington Herald-Leader reports. Physicians who do not comply could be fined up to $100,000 for the first offense and $250,000 for each subsequent offense. The measure has been assigned to the state Senate Judiciary Committee. The measure "doesn't require the woman to look" at the ultrasound image, Westwood said, noting that abortion providers currently offer ultrasounds and that the bill only would require them to explain what the image shows. Rep. Kathy Stein (D) said the measure's intent seems to serve as "another roadblock in the part of a woman who is already making a very difficult choice" (Biesk, AP/Lexington Herald-Leader, 1/13).
  
  
• Tennessee: Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) might be opposed to a proposed amendment to the state constitution (SJR 127) stating that "nothing in this constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion," but said he would let the Legislature "do their thing" on the proposal, the AP/Knoxville News Sentinel reports (Schelzig, AP/Knoxville News Sentinel, 1/13). The proposal -- sponsored by Sen. Diane Black (R) -- seeks to reverse a 2000 state Supreme Court decision that struck down some state restrictions on abortion, including a 48-hour waiting period, a requirement that women receive detailed information about the procedure and a requirement that all abortions after the first trimester be performed at a hospital. The proposal must pass both the Senate and House by a simple majority in this year's General Assembly and then pass each chamber by a two-thirds vote in the next General Assembly. If approved both times, the proposal would then be added to the state ballot in 2010. If the proposal is not approved this year, it will be ineligible for the ballot until at least 2014 (Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 1/9). Bredesen is not required to sign proposed constitutional amendments and does not have power to veto them. The Senate on Monday evening was expected to consider the proposal, the AP/News Sentinel reports (AP/Knoxville News Sentinel, 1/13).

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