Two life-affirming bills in the Kentucky Legislature have moved closer to becoming law. The Kentucky House advanced HB 5, which would ban any abortion predicated on an unborn child’s sex, race, color, national origin or disability. Meanwhile, the Senate passed SB 9, which would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected—usually around six weeks gestation. At press time, SB 9 was awaiting House passage. State newspapers have noted pro-life Gov. Matt Bevin’s past signatures on pro-life bills. Abortion rights groups promised to sue if SB 9 becomes law.

On HB 5, the House vote was 67-25 and, if passed in the Senate, the bill would require the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure to revoke a physician’s license for violating the law.

Rep. Melinda Gibbons Prunty, R-Greenville, sponsor of the bill, said: “Demanding the right to extinguish or eliminate the life of an unborn child, specifically because of their gender, race or possible physical or mental disability, is reminiscent of the evil social philosophy of eugenics.”