Democratic legislators in Frankfort, Kentucky left a committee meeting on Thursday amidst discussions on a bill proposed by the GOP that would increase access to prenatal and neonatal services for expectant mothers carrying nonviable fetuses, which are predicted to pass away before or shortly after being born. This bill has been presented in a state that prohibits abortion in similar situations.

The trio of Democrats did not reenter the committee chamber until after the Republican members on the House Health Services Committee passed the legislation concerning perinatal palliative care.

“This does not revolve around providing solace to grieving parents, as it ought to,” expressed Democratic state Representative Lindsey Burke following the event. “It is more concerned with making a political statement, and I refuse to be a part of it.”

The proponents of the proposed legislation argue that it will provide families with better access to empathetic and thorough medical care and support, particularly for those facing the heartbreaking reality of a life-threatening diagnosis during pregnancy. According to Kentucky Right to Life’s executive director Addia Wuchner, this bill would offer parents the chance to cherish the limited time they have with their child after birth.

She stated, “Even if the situation is unusual, the simple act of greeting your child can mean everything. Families should have the chance to make decisions like that.”

She remarked that one cannot bid farewell without first greeting.

Wuchner, a previous member of the state legislature and well-known opponent of abortion, was seated beside the sponsor of the bill as they introduced it to the House committee.

Advocates for abortion rights stated afterward that the purpose of the bill is to offer only one choice to parents facing a nonviable pregnancy: carrying it to full term. They argued that palliative care should also encompass the possibility of abortion, which is only available in other states that permit it for nonviable fetuses.

“It’s imposing,” stated Tamarra Wieder, the state director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates in Kentucky. “It reinforces negative stereotypes and it occurs during a period when parents are in a particularly susceptible state.”

Critics view the legislation as an effort to confer personhood to fetuses in Kentucky, a state that strictly prohibits all abortions except in cases of saving the mother’s life or preventing a debilitating injury.

The discussion arises amidst the context of a recent decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that recognizes frozen embryos as legally protected individuals. This highlights the ongoing objective of the anti-abortion movement to grant embryos and fetuses the same legal and constitutional rights as those of their carriers.

After being approved by the committee, the Kentucky bill will now go on to the full House and will require approval from the Senate. The Republican party holds a majority in both chambers.

The proposed legislation would mandate that hospitals offering obstetric care must either offer programs and support services for perinatal palliative care, or refer patients to already established palliative care programs. This requirement would also extend to alternative birthing centers, and health insurance plans would be required to cover palliative care.

Palliative services encompass collaborative care provided by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, detailed understanding of the medical diagnosis, and counseling and assistance prior to, during, and following childbirth.

“I believe this legislation shows great compassion,” stated Nancy Tate, a Republican state Representative and avid opponent of abortion, who sponsored the bill. “It allows us to provide physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and financial support to women and their families.”

According to advocates, two healthcare systems within the state currently offer palliative care services.

Critics argued that although choosing to carry nonviable pregnancies to full term may be a viable option for some individuals, it may not be the most beneficial choice for others.

“This bill simply provides the same solutions that are already available, while shaming parents who make difficult decisions,” Burke said.

As the committee was about to review the measure, three Democratic lawmakers unexpectedly stood and left, causing confusion among their Republican colleagues.

“The discussion centered around offering assistance to families facing a difficult diagnosis,” explained Rep. Kimberly Poore Moser, the Republican chair of the committee. “This is just a means of providing support to them. I was uncertain why they would abruptly leave.”

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The bill is referred to as House Bill 467.