‘This bill is about compassion and empathy’: Survivor says of Hadley’s Law

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — Tuesday, Sen. David Yates introduced Hadley’s Law which would provide exceptions to Kentucky’s abortion ban.

“I was sexually abused by my stepfather for years before I became pregnant at the age of 12,” said Hadley Duvall.

Hadley shared her story about why she thinks Hadley’s Law is so important.

She was joined by Yates (D-Louisville).

“What choice a victim makes should be between their medical doctor, themselves, the guy, should not be made by the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Yates said.

Yates said that under Kentucky law, there is an exception when it comes to the life of a mother, but…

“That is so narrowly written that a woman going through a pregnancy that has significant, dangerous implications for her health has such limited access to any options.”

If passed, Hadley’s Law would exempt certain situations from Kentucky’s current abortion ban — giving women options.

“Key provisions include conditions for exceptions of maternal health, lethal fetal anomalies, and in cases of rape and incest,” Yates said.

The bill was filed Tuesday and will soon be introduced to the legislature.

“This bill will provide exceptions for survivors of rape and incest like me. It will give relief to women who are facing nonviable pregnancies or women facing health complications with their pregnancies. This bill is about compassion and empathy,” said Hadley.