Rep. Burke: Measure ‘shames’ women

3 Kentucky Dems walk out over pregnancy bill

FRANKFORT — Three Democratic lawmakers walked out of the House Health Services Committee on Thursday afternoon.

They were upset over House Bill 467 and said the bill would discourage and call out women who are choosing to terminate a pregnancy.

Under HB 467, hospitals and birthing centers “shall provide or make referrals” for patients to perinatal care programs or support services if there is a prenatal diagnosis indicating that the baby may die before or soon after birth.

The bill would also require most health insurers to cover the perinatal palliative care.

“It shames mothers who are losing children, and rather than providing them with the full scope of medical treatment that they need, it guilts them into following a prescriptive plan that’s not consistent with medical,” Rep. Lindsey Burke, D-Lexington, told reporters.

Rep. Adrielle Camuel, D-Lexington, said the bill is a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.

Camuel said the bill requires the state to step in and mandate what House Republicans decide is best for women.

Rep. Rachel Roarx, D-Louisville, also walked out with Burke and Camuel.

During the committee meeting, supporters of the bill said it shows compassion for women during a difficult time in their pregnancy.

“I think this was a very compassionate piece of legislation that gives us the opportunity to support women and their families, physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and financially,” said Rep. Nancy Tate, R-Brandenburg, the bill’s sponsor.

Rep. Ryan Dotson, R-Winchester, called the walkout an “atrocity” and said the bill is aimed at “protecting the health and life of these children.”

After the Democrats’ departure, the bill passed out of the committee on a unanimous vote and now heads to the full House floor.

Reporter Rebecca Grapevine contributed to this report. Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@courierjournal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

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