Democrats walk out of Kentucky hearing on legislation dealing with support for nonviable pregnancies

By BRUCE SCHREINER
Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Democratic lawmakers have walked out of a Kentucky House committee hearing as the GOP-led panel was taking up a bill to expand access to prebirth and newborn services for pregnant women carrying nonviable fetuses that are expected to die before or soon after birth. The three Democrats didn’t return until after Republicans on the panel approved the bill dealing with perinatal palliative care. Democratic Rep. Lindsey Burke said Thursday that the bill is about making a political statement. Supporters say it would increase access to compassionate, care and support when families are dealing with a life-limiting diagnosis for their unborn child. Kentucky law bans abortion in cases of nonviable fetuses.