Abortion in Kentucky

Kentucky’s abortion ban went into effect on June 24, 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. This opened the door for the state’s “trigger law” to go into effect, which had been passed in 2019.

There are only two very narrow exceptions that allow abortion under Kentucky’s ban:

For most people seeking an abortion in Kentucky, the only option is to travel out of state to obtain care. However, this comes with logistical and financial burdens.

Since abortion is banned in Kentucky, people have to leave the state to access care. This requires time and money for travel.

You’ll need to call abortion clinics in other states to try to schedule an appointment. Keep in mind there may be wait times to get an appointment, especially since more people from banned states may be seeking care out of state.

Some states have mandatory waiting periods, which means you have to have a counseling session, then wait 24-72 hours before the abortion procedure. This means more time you have to be out of state.

If you are under 18, some states require permission from a parent or guardian. You may be able to get a judicial bypass instead.

Use abortion provider searches to find clinics in states near Kentucky. Call to make an appointment as soon as possible, as wait times may be long.

There are funds and practical support resources available if you travel out of state. This assistance can help with costs for the procedure, transportation, lodging, childcare, and more.

Below are the key details on Kentucky’s abortion ban that is currently in effect.

Kentucky has a total abortion ban, except for extremely limited exceptions. Abortion is considered a felony offense.

The total ban went into effect on June 24, 2022 after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

The only exceptions are if an abortion is medically necessary to save the pregnant person’s life or prevent risk of physical impairment. Almost all elective abortions are banned.

Kentucky’s total abortion ban, coupled with bans in surrounding states, critically restricts access to care and has devastating impacts.

Since abortion is illegal in Kentucky, people have to travel long distances out of state to access care. This results in serious burdens.

Patients have to take extra time off work to travel and get childcare. This may jeopardize their jobs.

Traveling hundreds of miles each way for care is expensive, practically difficult for those without reliable cars.

Finding and paying for extended childcare also presents challenges for patients.

In addition to travel costs, getting out-of-state abortion care can have high out-of-pocket costs.

The cost of the abortion itself can be very expensive depending on the clinic and type of procedure.

There are costs for gas, flights, buses, hotels, meals, and other travel expenses.

If the procedure is multi-day, lodging is required which is very expensive.

On top of the logistical struggles, Kentucky’s abortion ban results in enormous emotional burdens.

Patients have to make difficult choices about how to obtain care in inaccessible situations.

Providers and patients also face fear of criminalization for illegal abortions.

Conclusion

Kentucky’s near-total abortion ban critically restricts essential healthcare in the state and region. However, supporting advocacy organizations, legal challenges, and pro-choice political candidates offers some hope for possible change so people can access abortion care where they live.

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