Powerful Call for Reproductive Freedom Echoes in Bowling Green
On August 1, 2024, the Kentucky Reproductive Freedom Fund (KYRFF) held a press conference outside the Warren County Courthouse in Bowling Green, marking two years since the enactment of Kentucky's abortion ban. This event was part of a larger statewide campaign aimed at raising awareness about the severe consequences of the abortion ban and rallying support for the restoration of reproductive rights in Kentucky.
A Somber Anniversary
The event coincided with the two-year anniversary of a pivotal and devastating moment for reproductive rights in Kentucky. On August 1st in 2022, a single Kentucky Court of Appeals judge reversed a lower court's temporary injunction, allowing one of the nation's most restrictive abortion bans to take effect. The Kentucky Supreme Court did not reinstate Kentuckians freedom,evading the merits of the case and issuing a technical decision. Kentucky’s total abortion ban has had a profound impact on the healthcare system and the lives of countless Kentuckians. The ban provides no exceptions in cases of rape, incest, nonviable pregnancies or cancer patients - an unthinkable extreme.
Read more about the Supreme Court Case here.
Voices of Advocacy and Professional Expertise
Lt to Rt - Dr. Janet Wygal, Ona Marshall, Kennedy Doss, Rev. Diane Snowa, Lilly Deljoo, Dr. Ernest Marshall
The press conference brought together a diverse group of advocates and medical professionals, each highlighting the critical need for restoring reproductive freedom in Kentucky. Ona Marshall, founder of the Kentucky Reproductive Freedom Fund, led the charge, emphasizing the ongoing battle against governmental overreach into personal medical decisions.
Additionally, Ona Marshall emphasized Kentucky’s lack of avenues for citizens to put abortion access on the ballot. “We could follow the lead of other states that are moving to protect reproductive rights,” she said. “These are states that have citizen-led ballot initiatives to protect abortion access in their state constitutions. But that choice isn’t possible in Kentucky.” Kentucky’s lawmakers limit citizen power and ignore medical experts.
Dr. Janet Wygal, a board-certified OBGYN and lifelong Kentucky resident, shared her firsthand experiences with the detrimental impact of the abortion ban on the state’s healthcare system. As a medical professional, Dr. Wygal highlighted the struggles doctors face when trying to provide comprehensive care. “ I want to make clear; abortion is essential health care. From years of practicing medicine, I know that restricting abortion access is directly tied to increased pregnancy complications and tragically increased maternal mortality.”
Lilly Deljoo, a medical student at the University of Louisville and president of Medical Students for Choice, provided a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the next generation of healthcare providers. Her perspective underscored the long-term consequences of the ban, particularly in terms of recruiting and retaining medical talent in Kentucky. “Since the Dobbs ruling, I have lived in two states within one country that offer significantly different freedoms for their residents. I have witnessed how such a ruling can affect patients’ lives, even those not currently seeking an abortion. As a future provider, I fear lacking the capabilities and proper training to save my patient’s life.”
Local advocate and high school junior, Kennedy Doss, offered a poignant view from the younger generation, articulating the fear and uncertainty that looms over young women in the state. Her passionate plea for reproductive justice resonated, underscoring the importance of ensuring that future generations have the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions. “ Access to sexual and reproductive health information is critical, especially in Kentucky, which ranks fourth highest in teen pregnancy rates.”
Rev. Diane Snowa, a retired pastor ordained in the United Church of Christ in Louisville, added a moral dimension to the discussion, urging lawmakers to reconsider policies that endanger lives and infringe upon personal liberties.” Religion is meant to instill hope, to encourage love and compassion. I urge all people of faith and conscience to call upon our lawmakers at the local and state levels to stop using religions to take away Kentuckians’ rights, freedom and ability to make decisions about their futures. This use of religion is wrong..”
Read more on Religion & Abortion here.
Statewide Campaign Highlights
Since its launch in June, the Kentucky Reproductive Freedom Fund’s statewide campaign has made significant strides in raising awareness about the consequences of Kentucky’s abortion ban. The campaign, which includes billboards in rural areas and mobile billboard trucks in major metropolitan regions, and a variety of digital and social media ads has already garnered 1.8 million impressions across the state. One of these mobile billboard trucks made a powerful visual statement at the Bowling Green event, symbolizing the relentless efforts of advocates to keep the issue at the forefront of public discourse.
Media clips from the press event:
KY abortion rights advocates mark milestone, lament state’s barrier to ballot initiatives
Abortion access advocacy group gathers in Bowling Green on Kentucky tour
Abortion access campaign reaches Bowling Green
Kentuckians Sound the Alarm: Abortion Bans Are Driving Doctors Out of State
The Ongoing Fight
The press conference in Bowling Green was not just a reflection on the past two years, but a call to action for the future. As the event concluded, speakers emphasized the urgent need for continued advocacy and education to combat the devastating effects of Kentucky’s abortion ban. The KYRFF remains committed to this fight, providing a platform for advocates and healthcare providers to push for policy reforms that protect the reproductive rights of all Kentuckians.
As the campaign continues its journey across Kentucky, the message remains clear: Kentuckians will not stand by as their reproductive freedoms are stripped away.
For more information on the campaign and upcoming events, follow the Kentucky Reproductive Freedom Fund on Facebook or visit the website.