After a constitutional amendment regarding abortion in Kentucky failed to pass during last year’s general election, State Senator Whitney Westerfield of Christian County is proposing another version that he believes is more clear.
Last year’s Amendment 2 stated that there is no right to an abortion included in the Kentucky Constitution and that only the General Assembly can make policy regarding abortion. It failed by a 52-to-48 percent margin and Senator Westerfield believes a combination of poor wording and a vocal opposition was the reason.
This year, Westerfield has filed Senate Bill 118, which he says is clearer with the same goal of the original amendment.
He says the debate and decisions on when and how abortion is legal in Kentucky should be done in the legislature.
Constitutional amendments only appear on Kentucky ballots in even-numbered years, so Westerfield acknowledges his bill may have a difficult time moving this session as leaders in both chambers have shown a reluctance to push ahead any amendments.