Kentucky’s Limits on 2nd-Term Abortion Method Voided by Court

A Kentucky law that effectively bans the most commonly used method for second trimester abortions is unconstitutional and void, a federal court said.

The state’s legitimate interests in protecting health-care providers’ reputations and expressing respect for fetal life aren’t sufficient to justify a law that requires additional invasive and risky procedures prior to a standard dilation and evacuation abortion, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky said May 10.

At least 10 other states have adopted these types of restrictions. A federal court in Ohio currently is considering the constitutionality of a similar law.

Judge Joseph H. ...