By BRUCE SCHREINER Associated Press
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Republican lawmakers approved new restrictions on abortion Democratic governor’s veto It will force the only two abortion clinics in Kentucky to stop providing the procedures to women, at least temporarily, while the new law is challenged in court, abortion rights activists said Wednesday.
The law will prompt immediate federal lawsuits, and lawyers for the clinics will seek a ruling to block the measure and allow the clinics to resume abortions while the case is litigated, advocates said. The two abortion clinics in Kentucky are in Louisville, the largest city in the state.
On the heels of the GOP-led legislature finishing overriding Gov. Andy Beshear’s vetoes, activists said clinics won’t be able to comply with the new restrictions because the state hasn’t put in place a mandatory regulatory process now. The measure takes effect immediately.
“Because the law is unenforceable, it amounts to a de facto abortion ban, thereby violating patients’ federal right to abortion under Roe v. Wade,” abortion rights groups said in a press release.