Overview
- State Rep. Lindsey Burke filed House Bill 23 on the first day of the 2026 session to protect patients, providers, and those who assist with lawful reproductive health care.
- The proposal would bar the use of medical records to investigate or prosecute related care and shield licensed professionals from disciplinary action.
- The bill would prevent state agencies from obstructing travel for care legal where provided and clarify that researching, assisting, or sharing information cannot trigger penalties.
- Burke says the legislation does not change Kentucky’s abortion laws, seeking instead to prevent the use of existing statutes and data in ways that create a climate of fear.
- The filing follows the arrest of Melinda Spencer in Wolfe County, where a fetal homicide charge was dismissed under state law; the bill has been assigned to committee and other charges in that case remain.