Kentucky gubernatorial race focuses on abortion exceptions
Republican nominee Daniel Cameron has been criticized for not wanting exceptions
The Governor’s race in Kentucky has drawn national attention for some provocative comments the Republican nominee made about abortion and birth control.
David Cameron, the GOP’s nominee, said during the campaign trail that he doesn’t believe in rape and incest exceptions. Gov. Andy Beshear has run campaign ads featuring victims of rape criticizing Cameron for his position.
Savannah Trebunah, program director for the Kentucky Health Justice Network, said Cameron had supported antiabortion policies and positions as attorney general. A judge issued an of the state’s trigger ban following the demise of Roe. Cameron appealed that decision with the hopes that it would come into effect. Abortion has been banned since August.
“He has been on the record to be very motivated to keep abortion bans, including in instances of rape and incest,” Trebunah said. “And furthermore, it looks like he's also ramping up support around criminalizing birth control.”
Kentucky is the third worst state in the country for maternal mortality, according to Trebunah. So, any policies that limit reproductive care would exacerbate that.
Trebunah said that she hasn’t seen a lot of people support Cameron.
“Daniel Cameron has shown to not really have a lot of appeal across the Commonwealth, not just with his platform, but with his actions as Attorney General,” Trebunah said.
Another issue Trebunah wanted to draw attention to was the decrease in support for abortion funds in the state. Following the Dobbs decision, they had seen an influx of money into the fund. She implores people to continue to donate.
“It is not acceptable that Kentuckians have to seek care out of state,” Trebunah said. “It is not acceptable for Kentuckians to be forced to give birth, especially in a state where we have terrible maternal health outcomes, birth control deserts, and limited access to reproductive health care as a whole.”