FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky Senate panel has approved a bill to require any woman seeking an abortion to have a face-to-face meeting with a medical professional before the procedure.
The measure cleared the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee on Wednesday. The bill is a priority for Senate Republicans.
The state’s informed consent law requires women to receive counseling and wait at least 24 hours before having an abortion. Abortion foes object to the information being provided by phone.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky opposes the bill. ACLU official Derek Selznick says face-to-face meetings burden women with additional expenses.
Similar measures have died in the House in past years. This year, new Gov. Matt Bevin opposes abortion and Democrats are struggling to hold their House majority.