Written by Maya McKenzie, Communications Manager at Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region 

Last week, the Kentucky legislature passed House Bill 90, sending it on to Governor Beshear’s desk. The bill attempts to “more clearly” define abortion’s legality in instances where the life of the pregnant patient is at risk. On the surface, it may seem like a win—an attempt, at least, to protect some rights. But when you dig deeper, it becomes clear that HB 90 does not protect patients at all. It is not a step forward for reproductive health, but rather a doubling down on an anti-abortion agenda that puts patients’ lives at risk.

HB 90 mandates that abortion care only be administered when a patient’s life is at risk. Meaning, doctors are required to wait until a patient’s condition, whether that is bleeding from a miscarriage, an infection, or some other serious condition, progresses to the point whether the patient may die if an abortion is not performed. Exactly how close to death does a patient need to be before a doctor can act to save her life? It’s unclear. The bill does not define when a life-threatening situation is dire enough, nor does it give providers the confidence they need to make decisions that prioritize patient safety and health.

This puts Kentucky in a troubling position, especially in a state already struggling with some of the poorest healthcare outcomes and highest access deserts in the country. With fewer providers offering services and many seeking to leave due to fear of prosecution or legal gray areas, HB 90 isn’t a solution—it’s a further destabilizing force. And while politicians may want to believe they’ve “compromised,” the reality is that this bill isn’t a compromise at all. It’s a threat to the health and safety of thousands.

As someone who works in a reproductive health care center across the river in Ohio, I can see the ripple effects of these political decisions. Every day, we are working hard to meet the needs of Kentuckians who cannot access care at home. Patients travel across state lines because they have no other choice—caught between the political games of lawmakers and the need for safe, timely care. We’re expanding services to meet this need because, unlike our politicians, we understand that people need medical care, not political talking points.

In 2022, Kentuckians overwhelmingly made their voice heard when they rejected a constitutional amendment that would have further restricted abortion access. The people spoke clearly: they wanted more access to care, not less. HB 90 flies in the face of this, turning a blind eye to the very people it’s meant to serve, jeopardizing their health and safety.

This is not the Kentucky I know and love. The Kentucky I know is full of warmth, care, and compassion. It’s a state that values community and the wellbeing of its people. Yet, bills like HB 90 show that this legislature is more interested in agendas than ensuring that Kentuckians have access to the healthcare they need. I don’t deserve to weigh the risk of having a child one day against the chances of my life being lost in favor of doctors avoiding jail time if an emergency occurs. No one does.

Let’s be clear: HB 90 does nothing to protect the people of Kentucky. It only puts our lives at further risk. Politicians may want to pat themselves on the back for passing a bill they claim is a step forward, but those of us living in this state know better. We deserve a healthcare system that works for everyone. With more access, not less.
We don’t want restrictions. We want care. We want safety. And, most importantly, we want to live without the fear that our health or our future will be held hostage to political ambition.

Kentuckians deserve better. It’s time our leaders do better.