FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin signed two bills into law Saturday (Jan. 7) evening that ban late-term abortions and require women seeking abortions to undergo ultrasounds.
Both laws took effect as soon as Bevin’s signature was applied. Lawmakers held a rare session on Saturday to give final passage to a series of high-priority bills, including two that would curb abortions.
The late-term abortion law bans the procedures after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases in which the mother’s life is in danger. Physicians who violate the measure could have their medical licenses revoked and could be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison.
Under the ultrasound law, physicians are required to display the images so women can see, though they have the option to avert their eyes if they don’t want to see them. Physicians face a $100,000 fine for a first offense and a $250,000 fine for subsequent offenses.
— BP | Kentucky Today staff