Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Senate approves informed consent legislation

The state Senate passed an abortion-related measure by a 32-5 vote Tuesday. Sen. Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, voted yes.

Senate Bill 4, introduced by state Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, would require a face-to-face meeting between the pregnant woman and a healthcare provider at least 24 hours before an abortion takes place. It is currently often done via a recorded telephone message, she said.

“What this bill does not do is restrict a woman’s rights,” Adams said. “How could anyone consider the receiving of medical information as restrictive?”

State Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington, said he voted against SB 4 because it is unnecessary and women already understand what the procedure entails.

SB 4 now goes to the state House of Representative for consideration.