What does a YES Vote on Amendment #2 Actually Mean

What Amendment #2 Does and Does Not Do

To be clear, Amendment 2, if passed, states 2 things :

– that there is not a right to abortion in Kentucky

– and that taxpayer dollars cannot pay for abortions.

Amendment 2 does not make abortion illegal, nor does it regulate it.  With Amendment 2 in place, abortion laws would remain in the hands of Kentucky’s legislature, which is therefore in the hands of Kentucky voters.

What is at stake if Amendment #2 does not pass?

The overturning of Roe on June 24th sent the abortion debate back to each state. Some state legislatures have loosened abortion laws, while others have chosen to limit or ban abortion.  But when the constitution isn’t clear, activist judges can interpret state constitutions as their leanings bias them and block the intent of Kentucky voters.  While pro-life and pro-choice voters may not agree on abortion regulation, there has always been bipartisan agreement that taxpayer funding should not be used to pay for abortions. If Amendment 2 does not pass, judges could determine that each person has a right to an abortion and that taxpayer funding would cover the costs of the abortion.  This amendment 2 protects taxpayer dollars.

Let us work to clear up misinformation, and encourage friends and family to show up on November 8th and Vote YES on Amendment #2.

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 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Constitutional Amendment #2?

The Amendment 2 states To protect human life, nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion. This amendment will affirm there is no right to abortion or the funding of abortion in Kentucky’s Constitution. This important language will prevent state judges from asserting their own preferences over the will of legislators and the voters.  This amendment does not make abortion illegal nor regulate it.

How does Amendment 2 protect taxpayer dollars?

While pro-life and pro-choice voters may not agree on abortion regulation, there has always been bipartisan agreement that taxpayer funding should not be used to pay for abortions.  This amendment ensures taxpayer dollars are not spent to pay for abortions.

Does Amendment #2 threaten women’s access to healthcare, contraception, or fertility treatment?

No. Kentucky’s laws clearly protect medically necessary healthcare for women, access to contraception, and do not threaten access to fertility treatments. Kentucky women will still have full access to prenatal care, including for cases of ectopic pregnancies or miscarriage.

What about cases of rape or incest?

Rape and incest are horrific crimes, and perpetrators of these violent acts must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. At this time, Kentucky’s laws protect the right to life regardless of a child’s sex, race, or circumstance of their conception. YET – this amendment respects the ability of the people and their elected legislators to address these important abortion policies – not activist state judges.

What about the life of the mother?

Kentucky abortion laws DO allow for abortion when the life of the mother is at risk.  Again, Amendment 2 would not impact this. The amendment does not make abortion illegal or regulate it.  That would be left to the legislature (and therefore the Kentucky voters).

Does this amendment block all abortions in the Commonwealth?

Amendment 2 does not make abortion illegal or regulate it.  It only states that there is not a right to an abortion and that taxpayer funds will not be spent on it.  The elected legislature will continue to vote on abortion laws as it believes its voters desire.

How can I vote?

Make sure you are registered to vote and show up at your polling center on November 8^th.   Amendment #2 will be listed on the back of the ballot. Your YES Vote ensures taxpayer funds do not pay for abortions and there is not a right to abortion in our Commonwealth.