Amendment 2, a measure aiming to add language to Kentucky’s constitution to say it does not include the right to abortion, was rejected Tuesday. In Daviess County, more than 54% of voters cast ballots in favor of the amendment.
According to The Associated Press, 52.4% of Kentuckians voted no with 98% reporting, as of Wednesday evening.
Constitutional Amendment 2 would have amended the Bill of Rights of the Kentucky Constitution to state that nothing in the state constitution protects or secures a right to abortion or requires the funding of abortion.
However, the amendment’s defeat does not directly impact any current laws approved by the state’s GOP-dominated legislature, and it doesn’t guarantee access will be protected in Kentucky.
There is currently a near-total ban on abortion after the state’s “trigger laws” went into effect following the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.
The ban was previously blocked in state court, but Kentucky’s Supreme Court later ruled that the two laws would remain in place while legal challenges continue. The case is expected to be heard next week.
Protect Kentucky Access, the coalition opposing Amendment 2, applauded Kentucky voters in a statement issued Tuesday night but acknowledge the fight for abortion rights and access will continue.
“Tonight, Kentucky voters made it clear: We won’t back down when politicians try to come for our right to control our own bodies and our futures,” said Tamarra Wieder, Kentucky State Director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “Tonight we celebrate. Tomorrow, we continue to fight for everyone to have access to the care, resources, and education they deserve to lead strong, healthy lives.”
Amber Duke, interim executive director for the ACLU of Kentucky, said “The people of Kentucky have spoken, and their answer is no – no to extremist politicians banning abortion and making private medical decisions on their behalf. This is a victory for bodily autonomy and the right of all Kentuckians to make the best decisions for themselves, but the fight is not over. We will now continue our fight in state court to restore abortion access in the commonwealth.”
The The Yes for Life Alliance released a statement Wednesday morning saying they were disappointed but that the result would not stall the pro-life movement.
“Throughout this campaign, we have met inspirational people of faith and conscience who are committed to protecting every person’s right to life and supporting women and families in need,” the statement reads. “Encouraged by these Kentuckians, we will continue our efforts to protect our pro-life laws and safeguard the dignity of every human person.”
The Kentucky Right to Life group, a pro-life nonprofit, sent this statement, in part, after the race was called:
“Today, we are disappointed. But tomorrow, we will be motivated. This work is too important to quit, and we look forward to the next phase of prolife advocacy in Kentucky.”
