¶ Video
DANIEL CAMERON DOUBLED DOWN ON SUPPORT FOR KY’S HUMAN LIFE PROTECTION ACT WHICH HAS NO EXCEPTIONS FOR RAPE & INCEST:
Daniel Cameron Promised To Defend Kentucky’s Abortion Ban: “I'm Going To Continue To Support And Defend The Human Life Protection Act And Continue The Work That We've Done In Court To Make Sure That Law Stays Intact.” ANCHOR: “Do you fully support Kentucky's near-total ban on abortion, which does not have exceptions for rape or incest? Lawmakers talked about considering some exceptions in this session. They ended up ultimately not doing that.” CAMERON: “Well, I support the Human Life Protection Act. And of course, Bill, as you know, we've been defending that law since last August. And I'm going to continue to defend and support that law. Look, McKinsey and I have a 15-month-old at home. This issue is very personal and dear to us. And so I firmly believe and we as a couple got to see Theodore at six weeks. And so, again, I'm going to continue to support and defend the Human Life Protection Act and continue the work that we've done in court to make sure that law stays intact.” ANCHOR: “And that does mean no exceptions?” CAMERON: “Well, there is an exception, obviously, for the life of the mother. And I'm going to continue to support that Human Life Protection Act.” [WKYT (CBS), 4/23/23]
Daniel Cameron Touted Kentucky’s Almost Total Ban On Abortion: “I'm Proud That Since August Of Last Year, The Abortion Facilities Have Been Closed In Kentucky.” MODERATOR: Right now, Kentucky trigger law and a six-week ban on abortion are in place while the courts are reviewing challenges to their constitutionality. But would you support any exceptions to Kentucky's current abortion law? And if so, what exceptions are they? DANIEL CAMERON: Well, I support the current law. And of course, Mario, you know that I've been defending the Human Life Protection Act. And I'm proud that since August of last year, the abortion facilities have been closed in Kentucky and there have been very few abortions. [...] And so I will continue to support the Human Life Protection Act and the exception that exists there in. [Spectrum News Debate, 3/7/23]
Daniel Cameron Defended Kentucky’s Abortion Ban That Has No Exceptions For Rape & Incest: “I'm Not Going To Waver In My Position On This. And We're Going To Continue To Defend The Law As Is”
REPORTER (VOICEOVER): Kentucky lawmakers passed several abortion bans in recent years as Attorney General Cameron has defended Kentucky's anti-abortion laws in court. But critics are calling for the laws to be tweaked specifically to rape and incest exceptions, which Kentucky currently does not allow. REPORTER: “Where do you stand on that? Would you support those changes or would you ask the legislature not to do that?” CAMERON: “Look, Caroline, I understand that this is a very sensitive issue, a very sensitive topic that a lot of households across Kentucky have conversations about. But I'm not going to waver in my position on this. And we're going to continue to defend the law as is and will continue to work with our legislature on the Human Life Protection Act. It's obviously being enforced right now. And because of it there, the abortion facilities have been closed since last August.” [LEX18 (NBC), 4/13/23]
¶ Cameron Joined Coordinated Efforts Among Conservative Attorneys General To Restrict Reproductive Rights
¶ Cameron Supported States Having Access To Reproductive Health Information For Criminal Proceedings
Op-Ed: “Shame On Daniel Cameron” For Signing Onto A Letter Seeking Access To Abortion Care Information. According to an op-ed in The Lexington Herald-Leader, “Daniel Cameron has signed on to a letter with 18 other Attorneys General opposing a rule change that would prevent the private health information of individuals leaving states to seek health care that has been banned in their own state to be released to their home state. States with bans on abortion and gender affirming care must want to prosecute their citizens who exercise their rights in other states. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 required that slaves be returned to their owners even if the enslaved person had been able to escape to a free state. The slaves could then be prosecuted, abused and worse. Shame on Daniel Cameron. Rev. Kelly Gannoe Hale, Lexington” [Letters to the Editor - Lexington Herald-Leader, 7/27/23]
Op-Ed: Cameron Signed Onto The AG Abortion Letter To “Prosecute – Or Just Intimidate – Women Who Seek Abortions.” According to an op-ed in Kentucky Lantern, “Abortion-rights advocates are right to question whether gubernatorial candidate Daniel Cameron is seeking the power to prosecute — or just intimidate — women who seek abortions in states where the procedure is legal. If not, why sign onto a letter with 18 other GOP attorneys general objecting to a proposed federal privacy rule protecting these women from legal jeopardy? ‘Kentucky is not going to be a state of which we prosecute women,’ Cameron told LEX18 during a recent LaGrange campaign stop. ‘We want pregnant mothers to understand that this is going to be a commonwealth in which we support a culture of life.’” [Vanessa Gallman – Kentucky Lantern, 7/25/23]
A Kentucky Planned Parenthood Director Said Cameron Was “Willing To Go To Any Extent To Scare Patients Out Of Obtaining Abortions.” According to Kentucky Today, “‘Why would Cameron, Rokita or any attorney general be seeking private medical information related to abortion patients if not to prosecute them for obtaining care?’ asked Tamarra Wieder, Kentucky state director for the Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. ‘Anti-abortion lawmakers like Cameron and Rokita seem willing to go to any extent to scare patients out of obtaining abortions.’ Planned Parenthood stressed there is no prohibition against a patient seeking care in another state.” [Kentucky Lantern, 7/21/23]
Cameron Said He Would Not Prosecute “Pregnant Mothers” When Asked If He Would Prosecute People For Out-Of-State Abortions. According to LEX18, “During a campaign stop in La Grange on Thursday, LEX 18 asked Cameron if he, as governor, would support or oppose prosecuting people for out-of-state abortions. He said: ‘We're not prosecuting pregnant mothers.’ ‘Kentucky is not going to be a state of which we prosecute women. That's certainly not the aim of what our legislature has done. That is not at all what Kentucky is about,’ said Cameron. ‘We are establishing a culture of life here in Kentucky. We want pregnant mothers to understand that this is going to be a Commonwealth in which we support a culture of life.’” [LEX18, 7/20/23]
Cameron Said HIPAA Laws Protected Medical Privacy And That The Letter Was About States Making State Decisions. According to LEX18, “Cameron said the letter was about protecting states' abilities to enforce their own abortion laws. ‘Obviously, HIPAA laws protect privacy of medical records. Of this [letter], in particular, was about making sure that states rather than the federal government - because of the overturning of Roe v Wade - make the decisions about the [state] government, which is what the Biden administration is trying to do. So, we are going to fight against the Biden Administration in every turn when they overstep the bounds in terms of our laws here in the Commonwealth in Kentucky,’ said Cameron.” [LEX18, 7/20/23]
Cameron Said “We Are Not Prosecuting Pregnant Mothers.” According to LEX18, “‘But no, we are not prosecuting any women - any pregnant mothers - here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.’ ‘We're about establishing a culture of life here in Kentucky. We're not prosecuting pregnant mothers. Again, what our legislature has done, what everybody in the pro-life space is about is making sure that our unborn have every opportunity to reach their God-given potential. We are not prosecuting - you obviously know, I've been on the record as saying we are not prosecuting pregnant mothers here in the Commonwealth,’ Cameron added.” [LEX18, 7/20/23]
Lexington Herald-Leader: “Cameron Wants To Retain The Option To Access The Medical Information Of Kentuckians Who Leave The State For Reproductive Health Care Services.” According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, “Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron wants to retain the option to access the medical information of Kentuckians who leave the state for reproductive health care services, such as abortion and gender-affirming health care. Cameron joined 18 Republican state attorneys general in co-signing a June 16 letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, arguing that its rule change proposal to shield this patient information from officials in states that have banned or criminalized abortion and gender-affirming health care would ‘unlawfully interfere with states’ authority to enforce their laws and does not serve any legitimate need.’” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 7/19/23]
June 2023: Cameron Signed Onto A Letter Opposing A Rule Blocking State Officials From Obtaining Information On Residents’ Reproductive Health Care Obtained Outside The State For Criminal Proceedings. According to The Louisville Courier Journal, “Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron signed onto a letter last month opposing a proposed federal privacy rule that would block state officials from obtaining information on residents' reproductive health care services obtained outside the state. Cameron was one of 19 Republican attorneys general who signed onto the June 16 letter, opposing the change proposed in April by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to amend HIPAA patient privacy rules. The rule change would block state authorities from obtaining protected information about reproductive health care services obtained lawfully out of state ‘for criminal, civil, or administrative investigations or proceedings’ against those individuals or regulated entities.” [Louisville Courier Journal, 7/17/23]
- Services Would Include Those Related To Pregnancy, Contraception, Fertility, Miscarriage, And Abortion. According to The Louisville Courier Journal, “Such protected patient information on reproductive health care services would include, but not be limited to, those related to pregnancy, contraception, fertility, prenatal care, miscarriage management and abortion.” [Louisville Courier Journal, 7/17/23]
Lexington Herald-Leader: “Cameron Wants To Retain The Option To Access The Medical Information Of Kentuckians Who Leave The State For Reproductive Health Care Services.” According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, “Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron wants to retain the option to access the medical information of Kentuckians who leave the state for reproductive health care services, such as abortion and gender-affirming health care. Cameron joined 18 Republican state attorneys general in co-signing a June 16 letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, arguing that its rule change proposal to shield this patient information from officials in states that have banned or criminalized abortion and gender-affirming health care would ‘unlawfully interfere with states’ authority to enforce their laws and does not serve any legitimate need.’” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 7/19/23]
Kentucky Residents Have Fled To Other States To Receive Reproductive Health Care. According to Spectrum News 1, “According to Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the number of people traveling to its health centers in Indiana has more than doubled for out-of-state patients seeking a medication abortion and increased over 160% for surgical abortion. Nearly 25% of out-of-state patients in its Indiana health centers are Kentuckians, the organization said.” [Spectrum News 1, 6/27/23]
¶ Cameron Fought Pharmacies To Prevent Medicated Abortion Access
Cameron Joined An Amicus Brief Urging The Supreme Court To Deny The FDA’s Request To Stay A Ruling Banning Mifepristone. According to Cameron’s Press Release, “Attorney General Daniel Cameron today joined 21 states in filing an amicus brief, urging the Supreme Court of the United States to protect the right of each state to regulate abortion. ‘After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the Biden Administration directed the FDA to make abortion-inducing medication ‘as widely accessible as possible,’ said Attorney General Cameron. ‘We joined this amicus brief to push back against this blatant act of federal overreach by President Biden and to protect the authority granted to Kentucky’s elected representatives to regulate abortion in the Commonwealth.’ The attorneys general have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to deny the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and a drug manufacturer’s requests to stay a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which limited the circumstances in which mifepristone is approved for use. The FDA had previously approved the distribution of mifepristone for “the medical termination of intrauterine pregnancy” through 70 days pregnancy.” [Cameron Press Release, 4/18/23]
Cameron Signed A Letter To Walgreens And CVS Condemning Their Plans To Distribute Abortion Pills Through The Mail. According to The Hill, “Twenty Republican state attorneys general sent a letter to U.S-based pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS on Wednesday, telling both companies their plans to distribute abortion pills through the mail are ‘both unsafe and illegal.’ In the letter, the coalition wrote that federal law prohibits anyone from using the mail to send or receive any drug that will ‘be used or applied for producing abortion,’ referring to the Comstock Act of 1873. […] The letter was composed and signed by 20 Republican attorneys general, led by Andrew Bailey of Missouri and including Ken Paxton of Texas, Steve Marshall of Alabama, Dave Yost of Ohio, Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia and Daniel Cameron of Kentucky.” [The Hill, 2/1/23]
Cameron Celebrated Walgreen’s Decision Not To Provide Medicated Abortion Access By Mail.
[Twitter, @kyoag, 3/3/23]
¶ Cameron Supported Other States’ Restrictive Abortion Bans
April 2023: Cameron Joined An Amicus Brief In Support Of Florida’s 15 Week Abortion Ban. According to Kentucky Today, “Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced on Wednesday that his office has joined 18 other states in filing an amicus, or friend of the court, brief before the Supreme Court of Florida, supporting the constitutionality of a Florida law banning abortions after 15 weeks.” [Kentucky Today, 4/12/23]
March 2022: Daniel Cameron Joined An Amicus Brief In Support Of South Carolina’s Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Ban. According to the Office of the Alabama Attorney General, “Attorney General Steve Marshall led a 21-state amicus brief filed today in support of South Carolina’s one-year-old Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act, which had been blocked by federal district and appeals courts. Attorney General Marshall filed the amicus brief in Planned Parenthood South Atlantic v. Wilson before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on Tuesday. The South Carolina abortion law, which was enacted on February 18, 2021, was enjoined by a federal district judge on March 19, 2021, and the injunction was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on February 22, 2022.” [Office of the Alabama Attorney General, 3/15/22; Amicus Brief, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, et al., v. Alan Wilson, et al., United States Court Of Appeals For The Fourth Circuit, filed 3/15/22]
July 2021: Daniel Cameron Filed An Amicus Brief In Support Of Mississippi In The Dobbs Case. According to Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, “Attorney General Daniel Cameron today continued his fight for the unborn by joining a coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief before the United States Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case challenges the constitutionality of a Mississippi law prohibiting abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, and the attorneys general argue that the challenge presents the Supreme Court with the opportunity to reconsider and overturn the legal precedent establishing the alleged right to abortion, including Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey.” [Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, 7/30/21; Amicus Brief, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Supreme Court Of The United States, announced 7/30/21]
April 2021: Daniel Cameron Filed An Amicus Brief Asking The U.S. Supreme Court To Allow Tennessee To Enforce its Abortion Waiting-Period Law. According to Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, “Attorney General Daniel Cameron led a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to allow Tennessee to enforce its abortion waiting-period law while a lower court reviews the case. After the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit declined to stay a District Court’s ruling invalidating Tennessee’s abortion waiting-period law, Tennessee asked the full appellate court to hear the case, and the court agreed to do so. Since then, Tennessee has asked the U. S. Supreme Court to permit its law to take effect while the Sixth Circuit considers the case. The coalition’s brief supports Tennessee’s request […] In their brief, the coalition argues that many states have adopted waiting-period laws since the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Pennsylvania’s abortion waiting-period law in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey nearly 30 years ago. By prohibiting Tennessee from enforcing its law, the Sixth Circuit’s decision runs contrary to that precedent and threatens the legitimacy of numerous waiting-period laws in other states. The brief also contends that the Sixth Circuit’s ruling disrupts the delicate balance of power between federal and state governments and negates Tennessee’s sovereign power to enact reasonable measures regulating abortion.” [Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, 4/16/23]; Amicus Brief, Herbert H. Slatery, III, et al., v. Bristol Regional Women’s Center, P.C., et al., Supreme Court Of The United States, announced 4/16/21]
January 2020: Cameron Joined An Amicus Brief In June Medical Services Supporting A Requirement That Abortion Doctors Have Hospital Admitting Privileges. According to Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, “Attorney General Daniel Cameron today joined 20 states in filing an amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court in June Medical Services, LLC v. Dr. Rebekah Gee. The case centers on a Louisiana law that protects women’s health by requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at a local hospital in the event of an emergency or complication resulting from the procedure. The challenge to this health and safety-based regulation is brought by the Center for Reproductive Rights on behalf of a Louisiana abortion clinic and two abortion doctors. In the amicus brief, Attorney General Cameron joins other states in arguing that it is imperative for states to make and enforce the laws and regulations regarding health and safety that govern abortion procedures.” [Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, 1/3/20]
¶ Cameron Called On Yelp To Stop Issuing Warnings On Crisis Pregnancy Centers
Cameron Sent A Letter To Yelp Opposing Their Practice Of Issuing Warnings On Crisis Pregnancy Centers In Consumer Notices. According to Cameron’s Press Release, “Attorney General Daniel Cameron today led a 24-state coalition of attorneys general in sending a letter to Yelp opposing the company’s practice of discriminating against crisis pregnancy centers in online consumer notices. ‘Discriminating against the services of crisis pregnancy centers hinders women and families from accessing the life-affirming care and support that they need,’ said Attorney General Cameron. ‘Yelp’s decision to issue warnings on the profiles of crisis pregnancy centers but not on Planned Parenthood facility profiles places politics above the health and wellness of women and children, and we will do everything in our power to stop this discrimination.’” [Daniel Cameron Press Release, 2/7/23]
- Pro-Choice Activists Pushed Back On Cameron’s Claim That Yelp Discriminated Against Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Saying Yelp Provided “A Critical Service.” According to 13 KRCG, “Olivia and Mallory Schwarz, Executive Director for Pro-Choice Missouri, argue that statements made in these letters, such as the protection of the 'health, safety, and wellbeing of women and unborn children' are strictly for political advancement and not at all for actual safety. ‘Yelp provides a critical service of helping people identify when they're going to anti-abortion fake health centers, often known as crisis pregnancy centers. Missouri has 114 of these anti-abortion fake health centers whose purpose is to lie, manipulate, and coerce present people out of receiving the care that's best for them,’ Schwarz said.” [13 KRCG, 2/9/23]
¶ Cameron Opposed Federal Funding Of Abortions
June 2021: Daniel Cameron Sent A Letter To Congress Urging Them To Restore The Hyde Amendment, Which Prevented Any Federal Funding Of Abortions. According to Daniel Cameron’s Press Release, “Attorney General Daniel Cameron joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in a letter urging Congressional leadership to maintain the Hyde Amendment in the 2022 budget. The Hyde Amendment prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions. The Biden Administration removed the amendment language from its proposed budget, despite its inclusion in federal budgets for the last forty-five years […] In the letter, the attorneys general explain the importance of continuing to include the Hyde Amendment in the budget and urge Congress to resist President Biden’s efforts to force taxpayers who object to abortions to pay for them.” [Daniel Cameron’s Press Release, 6/22/21]
March 2021: Daniel Cameron Filed A Motion Before The U.S. Supreme Court To Prevent Federal Funds Being Used For Abortion Procedures. According to Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, “Attorney General Daniel Cameron today joined a 19-state coalition in filing a motion before the United States Supreme Court to defend the Title X rules and ensure that federal funds are not used to support abortions […] Title X, enacted in 1970 by Congress, funds non-abortion family planning services. Since the law’s inception, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has promulgated rules that govern the use of the funding. In 2019, HHS adopted new rules to segregate clearly abortion services and Title X funds. These rules eventually were challenged in courts across the country, resulting in split decisions about their legality, and leading the U.S. Supreme Court to grant certiorari. Shortly after taking office, President Biden issued a memo ordering the HHS Secretary to review the Title X rules and consider whether to repeal and replace them. The 19-state coalition argues that given the President’s mandate, the Biden Administration will not represent the interests of states when the rules are considered by the Supreme Court. The states also argue that they should be allowed to intervene to ensure that there continues to be a strict separation between Title X federal funding and abortions.” [Office of the Kentucky Attorney General, 3/10/21]
¶ Cameron Supported Religious Groups Refusing To Provide Abortion Coverage
June 2021: Daniel Cameron Joined An Amicus Brief In Opposition To The Idea That Religious Groups Should Provide Employees With Abortion Coverage. According to the Office of the Alabama Attorney General, “Attorney General Steve Marshall is calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the First Amendment rights of churches and other religious organizations from laws that force them to pay for abortions, in direct conflict with these institutions’ religious beliefs. […] Attorney General Marshall and attorneys general from 20 other states filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany v. Lacewell over the State of New York’s mandate that religious groups must provide employees abortion coverage. […] Alabama joined Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia in filing the amicus on May 28, 2021.” [Office of the Alabama Attorney General, 6/3/21]
¶ Cameron Opposed Rape And Incest Exceptions
¶ Cameron Flip Flopped On Rape And Incest Exceptions
HEADLINE: “Kentucky GOP Candidate Backtracks On Abortion As Polls Show Him Losing” [Jezebel, 9/18/23]
HEADLINE: “Cameron Flip-Flops On Rape And Incest Exceptions To Kentucky Abortion Ban” [Louisville Courier Journal, 9/18/23]
HEADLINE: “In Apparent Reversal, Cameron Says He’d Support Rape, Incest Exceptions To KY Abortion Ban” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/18/23]
HEADLINE: “Republican Gubernatorial Candidate In Kentucky Appears To Soften His Hardline Opposition To Abortion” [Associated Press, 9/18/23]
Cameron Claimed He “Repeatedly” Said He Would Sign A Bill For “Additional Exceptions If Something Changed.” According to WEHT, “Cameron spoke with Eyewitness News about several topics, including his stance on abortion in Kentucky. ‘I’ve been very consistent on this. I support the Human Life Protection Act. But if the legislature, as I’ve said repeatedly, if the legislature was to bring a bill for additional exceptions if something changed, and I needed to sign it I would,’ said Cameron.” [WEHT, 9/24/23]
Cameron Said “There’s No Question” That He Would Sign Legislation Providing Abortion Exceptions For Rape And Incest. According to The Associated Press, “Republican gubernatorial nominee Daniel Cameron appeared to soften his hardline opposition to abortion on Monday, telling a Kentucky radio station that he would support amending the state’s abortion ban to add exceptions allowing for the termination of pregnancies caused by rape or incest. Cameron, the state’s attorney general, has steadfastly supported the current Kentucky law that bans all abortions except when carried out to save a pregnant woman’s life or to prevent a disabling injury. But during an interview with WHAS-AM, Cameron signaled that if elected governor he would be willing to sign legislation providing abortion exceptions for instances of rape and incest. ‘There’s no question about that,’ the GOP challenger said.” [Associated Press, 9/18/23]
¶ Cameron Said He Personally Opposed Abortion, Including Rape Or Incest Exceptions
¶ Cameron Said He Personally Supported Kentucky’s Abortion Ban As It Was Written, Which Had No Exceptions For Rape Or Incest
April 2023: Daniel Cameron Promised To Defend Kentucky’s Abortion Ban As Is, Without A Rape Or Incest Exception. According to WKYT, “ANCHOR: ‘Do you fully support Kentucky's near-total ban on abortion, which does not have exceptions for rape or incest? Lawmakers talked about considering some exceptions in this session. They ended up ultimately not doing that.’ CAMERON: ‘Well, I support the Human Life Protection Act. And of course, Bill, as you know, we've been defending that law since last August. And I'm going to continue to defend and support that law. Look, Makenze and I have a 15-month-old at home. This issue is very personal and dear to us. And so I firmly believe and we as a couple got to see Theodore at six weeks. And so, again, I'm going to continue to support and defend the Human Life Protection Act and continue the work that we've done in court to make sure that law stays intact.’ ANCHOR: ‘And that does mean no exceptions?’ CAMERON: ‘Well, there is an exception, obviously, for the life of the mother. And I'm going to continue to support that Human Life Protection Act.’” [WKYT, 4/23/23]
Cameron Said “I'm Not Going To Waver In My Position” On Kentucky’s Abortion Ban And Said He Would “Continue To Defend The Law As Is” Without A Rape Or Incest Exception. According to LEX18, “REPORTER: ‘Where do you stand on that? Would you support those changes or would you ask the legislature not to do that?’ CAMERON: ‘Look, Caroline, I understand that this is a very sensitive issue, a very sensitive topic that a lot of households across Kentucky have conversations about. But I'm not going to waver in my position on this. And we're going to continue to defend the law as is and will continue to work with our legislature on the Human Life Protection Act. It's obviously being enforced right now. And because of it there, the abortion facilities have been closed since last August.’” [LEX18, 4/13/23]
Cameron Said He Supported Kentucky’s Abortion Ban As It Was Written, Without Exceptions For Rape Or Incest. According to LEX 18, “Cameron also supports the anti-abortion laws lawmakers have put into place. Kentucky's current law does not allow for exceptions in cases of rape and incest. While some critics argue those exceptions should be added in, others disagree. Cameron, who defended the anti-abortion laws in court, tells LEX 18 News he supports the laws as they are written.” [LEX 18, 4/13/23]
2022: Cameron Said He Personally Supported Kentucky’s Trigger Law, Which Had No Exceptions For Rape Or Incest. According to The Associated Press, “Kentucky’s trigger law includes no exceptions for rape or incest victims. Asked Monday if he personally supports adding those exceptions, Cameron replied: ‘I support what the Human Life Protection Act says’ — a reference to the trigger law. He then expressed support for the existing exception to save the life of a pregnant woman.” [Associated Press, 11/28/22]
¶ Cameron Was Criticized For His Extreme Abortion Stances
HEADLINE: “In Constitutional Vote, Ky Voters Made Their Voices Clear On Abortion. Respect Them.” [Jim Porter - Lexington Herald-Leader, 8/11/23]
Op-Ed: Daniel Cameron “Doesn’t Believe In Democracy” Because He Ignored Kentucky’s Vote Rejecting An Anti-Abortion Constitutional Change. According to an op-ed in The Lexington Herald-Leader, “Fifty-two percent of those voting in Kentucky voted ‘no’ on the proposed constitutional amendment that would have incorporated stringent anti-abortion language in the state constitution! If the amendment had passed, it would have essentially left no room for interpretation on whether abortion access was covered under these rights. So when Kentucky voters voted NOT to put language in the Kentucky State Constitution forbidding abortion for any and all reasons Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said that it was the responsibility and privilege of elected state officeholders to make those decisions and that — regardless of the vote of the majority of citizens — he would continue to push for severe anti-abortion language to be included in the Kentucky State Constitution. Please don’t vote for the right-wing ideologue Daniel Cameron because he doesn’t believe in democracy! The new republican mantra — ‘If you can’t beat them, cheat them!’” [Jim Porter - Lexington Herald-Leader, 8/11/23]
2022: Abortion Patients In Kentucky Were As Young As Nine Years Old. According to HuffPost, “Beshear’s campaign notes that before the trigger ban took effect, the youngest known abortion patients in Kentucky were 9 years old. Two such girls underwent the procedure in 2021 and 2022, according to official data published by the Louisville Courier Journal.” [HuffPost, 6/22/23]
Campbell County Democratic Party Chair: “Daniel Cameron Is Exactly The Pathway” For Abortion Rights To Get Worse. According to HuffPost, “Crimson MacDonald could die if she gets pregnant. The chair of Kentucky’s Campbell County Democratic Party suffered a ruptured uterus while delivering her second child in 2017, requiring emergency surgery and multiple blood transfusions to save her life. […] For MacDonald, the prospect of Cameron winning ― and either using his office to make medical exemptions harder to obtain or obstructing hypothetical progress on legislation creating exceptions for survivors of rape and incest ― is motivation enough to vote for Beshear. ‘It can be worse,’ she said. ‘And Daniel Cameron is exactly the pathway for that to happen.’” [HuffPost, 6/22/23]
Beshear’s Campaign Said “Daniel Cameron Believes That A Nine-Year-Old Rape Victim Who Becomes Pregnant Should Be Forced To Carry The Pregnancy To Term And Give Birth.” According to HuffPost, “Beshear’s campaign notes that before the trigger ban took effect, the youngest known abortion patients in Kentucky were 9 years old. Two such girls underwent the procedure in 2021 and 2022, according to official data published by the Louisville Courier Journal. ‘Daniel Cameron believes that a nine-year-old rape victim who becomes pregnant should be forced to carry the pregnancy to term and give birth,’ Alex Floyd, a spokesperson for Beshear’s reelection campaign, said in a statement. ‘He supports an extreme ban with no exceptions for rape or incest. Kentuckians rejected this extremism at the ballot box last November and they will again in this election.’” [HuffPost, 6/22/23]
¶ Beshear Released Abortion Ads Attacking Cameron's Extreme Stance
HEADLINE: “Beshear Attacks Cameron Over Abortion Restrictions In Kentucky’s Race For Governor” [Louisville Public Media, 9/7/23]
HEADLINE: “Kentucky Democrat Beshear Links GOP Challenger To Reality Of Abortion Law In Reelection Campaign” [Associated Press, 9/6/23]
HEADLINE: “Beshear Campaign Goes On Offense With Abortion Issue, Hitting Cameron On Rape Exceptions” [Louisville Courier Journal, 9/1/23]
HEADLINE: “Beshear Campaign Airs New Ad Ripping Cameron’s Abortion Stance” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/1/23]
Cameron Said He Would Have Had More Nice Things To Say About Beshear Until “He Ran That Ad Against Me.” According to Hoptown Chronicle, “During the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting at the Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Cameron briefly referenced the ad when he was asked to say one nice thing about Beshear, saying that he would have had more to say until ‘he ran that ad against me today.’ Both did recall their time working together at law firm Stites & Harbison in their respective answers.” [Hoptown Chronicle, 9/22/23]
Cameron Released A Response Video Calling Beshear’s Campaign “Despicable.” According to Cameron's Twitter, “Andy Beshear is running the most despicable campaign in Kentucky history. Watch my statement below.” [Twitter, @DanielCameronAG, 9/20/23]
Beshear Released A New Ad Featuring A Victim Of Childhood Rape Victim Who Called Cameron’s Stance On Rape And Incest Exceptions “Unthinkable.” According to NBC News, “Abortion has become a focal point in Kentucky's race for governor less than two months before Election Day — and Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's latest salvo paints his GOP opponent as too conservative on abortion for deep-red Kentucky. Beshear, who's running for a second term, is out with a TV ad featuring a young sexual abuse survivor who speaks directly to the camera about her experience. She directly addresses state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, the Republican running against Beshear. ‘Anyone who believes there should be no exceptions for rape and incest could never understand what it's like to stand in my shoes,’ the woman says. She adds, ‘This is to you, Daniel Cameron. To tell a 12-year-old girl she must have the baby of her stepfather who raped her is unthinkable.’” [NBC News, 9/20/23]
Louisville Public Media: Beshear Rarely Criticized Opponent On Abortion, But Attacked Cameron For His “Extreme And Dangerous” Stance. According to Louisville Public Media, “Over his political career, Beshear has rarely gone out of his way to criticize political opponents for restricting access to abortion, usually sticking to broad statements and advocating for a middle ground. […] But in Beshear’s latest TV advertisement, which began running across Kentucky late last week, Louisville prosecutor Erin White looks directly at the camera as she describes Daniel Cameron and Kentucky’s total ban on abortion – including in instances of rape and incest – as ‘extreme and dangerous.’” [Louisville Public Media, 9/7/23]
Associated Press: Beshear Pushed Abortion To The Forefront Of His Campaign By Criticizing Cameron’s Support Of Kentucky’s Abortion Ban. According to The Associated Press, “Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has pushed his opposition to Kentucky’s abortion ban to the forefront of his reelection campaign by linking his Republican challenger to an extreme scenario of the strict law — requiring young victims of rape or incest to carry their pregnancies to term. Beshear’s campaign released a TV ad featuring a prosecutor denouncing the law’s lack of exceptions for rape or incest. It attacks GOP nominee Daniel Cameron for supporting the measure, which bans all abortions except when carried out to save a pregnant patient’s life or to prevent a disabling injury.” [Associated Press, 9/6/23]
Lexington Herald-Leader: Abortion Had Not Been A Topic Of Discussion Until Beshear’s Ad Attacking Cameron’s Abortion Stance. According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, “Abortion hadn’t really been a topic of discussion for Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear or GOP gubernatorial nominee Attorney General Daniel Cameron in their race for the state’s top job this year — until a Beshear ad blasting Cameron for his position on the subject aired on Friday. The ad zooms in on Cameron’s support for Kentucky’s trigger ban on abortion, in particular highlighting its lack of exceptions in the case of rape or incest.” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/1/23]
- Louisville Prosecutor Erin White Shared Her Experience Going After Criminals And Called Cameron’s Position “Extreme” And “Dangerous.” According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, “In the ad, Erin White, a prosecutor in Louisville who most recently worked at the Jefferson County Attorney’s office, highlights her experience going after serious criminals before calling Cameron’s position on abortion unconscionable. ‘Daniel Cameron thinks a nine-year-old rape survivor should be forced to give birth. Nobody, no child, should ever have to go through that. Cameron believes rapists have more rights than their victims. That’s extreme and that’s dangerous,’ White said.” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/1/23]
- Cameron’s Campaign Called The Ad A “Desperate Attack” And Said Cameron Was The “Pro-Life Candidate.” According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, “Cameron’s campaign released a statement in response to the ad calling it a ‘desperate attack,’ and pointed to Beshear’s opposition to several pieces of anti-abortion rights legislation. ‘Andy Beshear stands with Joe Biden and the most extreme wing of the Democrat Party on abortion. Andy Beshear supports making it easier for minor children to get an abortion without their parents’ knowledge... Daniel Cameron is the pro-life candidate in this race and will work as Governor to build a culture of life,’ the statement read.” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/1/23]
¶ Cameron Indicated He viewed Birth Control As An Abortion
HEADLINE: “Cameron’s Office Culture Concerns, What Other Candidates Raised & More | Trail To ‘23” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/18/23]
HEADLINE: “Kentucky GOP Candidate Signed Pledge Saying The Birth Control Pill Causes Abortions” [Jezebel, 9/15/23]
HEADLINE: “The GOP Is Coming After Your Birth Control (Even If They Won’t Admit It)” [Rolling Stone, 9/16/23]
HEADLINE: “Cameron Says Claims He Wants To Criminalize, Ban Birth Control Are ‘Absolutely Ridiculous’” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/15/23]
A Cameron Campaign Spokesperson Said Cameron Did Not Consider Emergency Contraception In His Definition Of Abortion. According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, “A Cameron campaign spokesperson told the Herald-Leader that Cameron does not include emergency contraception in his definition of abortion.” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/15/23]
Cameron Said He Opposed Using Medicaid Funds For Contraception. According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, “Cameron was clear, however, that he is against taxpayer funds — including Medicaid — paying for contraception. ‘I believe in upholding the fundamental right to religious freedom,’ Cameron said in a statement. ‘No one should be compelled to act against their religious beliefs. That includes taxpayers. Those ideas are mainstream.’” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/15/23]
Cameron Said It Was “Absolutely Ridiculous” To Claim He Wanted To Criminalize Birth Control. According to Bluegrass Live, “Friday, Cameron’s campaign provided an updated statement about the question of birth control. ‘It is absolutely ridiculous to suggest I oppose or want to criminalize birth control or contraception,’ Cameron said. ‘I believe in upholding the fundamental right to religious freedom. No one should be compelled to act against their religious beliefs. That includes taxpayers. Those ideas are mainstream. Meanwhile, Andy Beshear supports taxpayer-funded abortions right up until the moment of birth and vetoed a bill requiring medical care for a baby born alive as a result of a failed abortion.’” [Bluegrass Live, 9/14/23]
When Asked About His Answers To A Questionnaire Calling For A Ban On Birth Control, Cameron Doubled Down And Said “We Need To Stand Up For And Protect Religious Freedom.” According to Bowling Green Daily News, “On Thursday, he was asked about whether there were inconsistencies between his questionnaire answers and his true policy stances. ‘I’m making sure that ... I’m gonna stand up for our most vulnerable and protect them in every way that I can ... ,’ he said. ‘I think we need to stand up for and protect religious freedom, and so that is my belief and I don’t want them to be in a position where they cannot live out their values and their beliefs.’” [Bowling Green Daily News, 9/15/23]
Cameron Answered “Yes” In A Northern Kentucky Right To Life Questionnaire Asking If He Would “Actively Support” The “Repeal Of The ACA” Because Of Its Abortion And Contraception Coverage. According to NBC News, “However, while campaigning for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in April, Cameron indicated that he wanted to see the Affordable Care Act undone. He filled out a questionnaire for Northern Kentucky Right to Life, where he answered ‘Yes’ to the question: ‘Will you actively oppose (and if in a position to do so, work against and vote against) state or federal legislation or regulation mandating health insurance coverage of abortion (both surgical and chemical) and artificial contraception, and will you actively support (and if in a position to do so, work for and vote for) the repeal of the ACA (Obamacare)?’” [NBC News, 9/13/23]
Cameron Answered “Yes” To Questions Calling The Morning After Pill And The “Standard Birth Control Pill” Abortions. According to NBC News, “In addition to the question regarding the ACA, the other questions Cameron answered for Northern Kentucky Right to Life largely dealt with abortion and birth control. He answered ‘yes’ to questions about supporting codifying personhood from the moment of fertilization in the U.S. Constitution; criminalizing providers who perform abortions (except in cases to save the life of a mother); and supporting legislation to forbid ‘all use of local, state, federal, and/or Medicare or Medicaid funds for abortion.’ The questionnaire's definition of abortion includes ‘the so-called 'morning after pill,' Norplant, Depo Provera, or the so-called 'standard birth control pill.'’” [NBC News, 9/13/23]
¶ Cameron Defended Kentucky’s Abortion Ban, Preventing Patients From Accessing Necessary Abortions
¶ Cameron Vehemently Defended Strict Anti-Choice Laws
¶ Cameron Defended Kentucky’s Abortion Ban In Court
Cameron Celebrated The Dismissal Of A Federal Case Challenging Kentucky’s Anti-Abortion Law. According to Cameron’s Press Release, “Attorney General Cameron announces that a federal court has dismissed the challenge to House Bill 3—the Humanity in Healthcare Act—brought by Planned Parenthood and EMW Women’s Surgical Center. One of the most comprehensive pieces of pro-life legislation in the Commonwealth’s history, the Humanity in Healthcare Act is now fully in force and is the law of Kentucky. The dismissal of the challenge to HB 3 follows a ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The Court ordered that the district court’s rulings questioning HB 3’s legality are no longer binding and lifted the district court’s injunction preventing full enforcement of the law. General Cameron released the following statement: ‘Our laws should reflect our values. Kentuckians across the Commonwealth have repeatedly sent pro-life representatives to Frankfort to protect the health and safety of mothers and unborn children. That’s exactly what the General Assembly did in 2022 with House Bill 3. I always have and always will stand strong in defense of our pro-life legislation. And because of my office’s work, every word of the Humanity in Healthcare Act is now law.’” [Daniel Cameron Press Release, 6/16/23]
The Kentucky Supreme Court Sided With Cameron And Allowed The State’s Trigger Law And Heartbeat Law To Remain In Place. According to CNN, “The Supreme Court of Kentucky ruled Thursday that a lower court wrongfully stopped the enforcement of two state abortion laws, according to court documents. The two measures are Kentucky’s so-called trigger law banning the procedure and a separate “heartbeat” law restricting abortions at around six weeks of pregnancy. Siding with Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Justice Debra Hembree Lambert asserted in her opinion that the circuit court ‘abused its discretion by granting abortion provider’s motion for a temporary injunction.’” [CNN, 2/16/23]
Cameron Celebrated His Defense Of Anti-Abortion Laws From Legal Challenges In 2022. According to Cameron's Twitter, “This year, the Office of the Solicitor General defended Kentucky’s laws from legal challenges, including Marsy's Law, Casey’s Law, the Heartbeat Bill, Human Life Protection Act, and many others. #2022YearInReview” [Twitter, @kyoag, 12/27/22]
Cameron Said It Was His “Duty And Responsibility” To Enforce Kentucky’s Anti-Choice Bill, Despite A Pro-Choice Ballot Amendment. According to The Paducah Sun, “Cameron said the Amendment 2 vote defeating the proposed addition of a constitutional statement denying the right to abortion within the state constitution should not factor into the Supreme Court’s decision. ‘In my perspective, what the justices should be looking at is just the laws themselves, the Human Life Protection Act,’ he said. ‘That is what they should be focused on. I know some of the justices have made references to Amendment 2, but they are separate matters in terms of the law that was passed in 2019 that is in effect now. ‘There are a lot of strong feelings and opinions around this issue, and I understand that, but we ultimately have a duty and responsibility in the attorney general’s office to make sure that we defend the laws that are passed by the General Assembly.’” [Paducah Sun, 11/25/22]
2022: Cameron Sued To Defend Kentucky’s Abortion Bans Even After Voters Defeated An Anti-Abortion Ballot Measure. According to The Washington Post, “Cameron, the staunchly antiabortion attorney general, successfully fought for the right to keep defending Kentucky’s abortion bans after Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said his administration was declining to further defend the restrictive laws. Chief among Cameron’s arguments is that regulating the state’s abortion laws should fall to the state legislature and should not be determined by court decisions. Reached for comment Monday, a spokesperson for Cameron’s office referred to his statement released the day after Amendment 2’s defeat in which he argued the election result ‘does not change our belief that there is no right to abortion hidden in the Kentucky Constitution.’ On Nov. 9, Cameron filed a motion with the state Supreme Court, arguing that the election result should have no bearing on the justices’ decision, similar to the argument he made in his opening brief: ‘The Court interprets the words that Kentuckians ratified in 1891, not the intended effect of the words that they failed to ratify in 2022.’” [Washington Post, 11/15/22]
¶ Cameron Did Not Communicate Guidelines Relating To Miscarriages To Health Care Providers
Cameron Issued Two Advisories Permitting Abortion For Treatment Of Miscarriages, But Open Records Requests Showed He Did Not Communicate Guidelines With Health Care Providers. According to The Lexington Herald Leader, “There’s been ‘a lot of misinformation’ suggesting the law doesn’t adequately protect a pregnant person’s health, he said, citing two advisories Cameron’s office has issued since both measures took effect. Both clarify that abortions for in vitro fertilization, treatment of miscarriages, preeclampsia and ectopic pregnancies don’t violate the law. […] But no written evidence of that guidance appears to exist. In response to an open records request from the Herald-Leader, Cameron’s office said this week it had no written or electronic records of communication between the Attorney General’s office and licensed health care facilities or providers regarding the trigger law or six week ban.” [Lexington Herald Leader, 2/9/23]
Op-Ed: Cameron Should Explicitly Outline The Circumstances To End An Unviable Pregnancy. According to The Lexington Herald Leader, “In the meantime, however, Attorney General Daniel Cameron or the General Assembly could follow another red state, Louisiana, in explicitly outlining the circumstances under which a doctor — not a lawyer — could use ‘reasonable medical judgment’ — to end a doomed pregnancy. Cameron, who is running for governor as a ‘pro-life’ candidate, probably won’t, which is why his allies in the General Assembly should step in for him. (They should also allow exceptions for rape and incest.) Cameron’s office has only issued clarifications that in vitro fertilization, treatment of miscarriages, preeclampsia and ectopic pregnancies don’t violate the law, but nothing in terms of other life-threatening exceptions.” [Linda Blackford - Lexington Herald Leader, 2/9/23]
¶ Cameron Tried To Halt Legal Abortions During COVID
2020: Cameron Tried To Halt Abortions During The Pandemic, Calling Them “Elective” Medical Procedures. According to NARAL, “Attorney General Daniel Cameron issued a statement this morning calling on the Acting Secretary for the Cabinet of Health and Family Services to certify that abortion providers in Kentucky are violating the ban on ‘elective’ medical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic by continuing to provide abortion care.” [NARAL, 3/27/20]
- 2020: Beshear Vetoed The Born-Alive Infant Protection Act Which Would Have Given Cameron The Authority To Regulate Abortion Clinics. According to WDRB, “Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday vetoed legislation that would have given Attorney General Daniel Cameron new authority to regulate abortion clinics. While Cameron called the move ‘reprehensible,’ Beshear's action was cheered by abortion rights groups. Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 9 on April 15, the final day of the 2020 Kentucky General Assembly. Known as the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, it would require state doctors to provide life-saving care to any infant born alive, including after a failed abortion attempt. The legislation also would have given Cameron, a Republican and abortion rights opponent, the power to suspend abortions as an elective procedure during the novel coronavirus outbreak.” [WDRB, 4/24/20]
¶ Abortion Restrictions Prevented Kentucky Patients From Receiving Critical Care
A Kentucky Mother Was Forced To Get An Abortion Out Of State Despite Her Fetus Being Diagnosed With A Fatal Condition. According to ABC News, “A Kentucky mother of three says she was forced to travel out of state for an abortion despite her fetus being diagnosed with a fatal condition. […] Maberry and her husband found out they were going to have a girl, who they named Willow. Then came the 20-week ultrasound, during which Maberry's OBGYN told her the fetus had anencephaly, confirmed in medical records viewed by ABC News. Anencephaly is a serious birth defect, which occurs when the brain and skull do not fully develop. Babies with the condition are either stillborn or die within a few hours or days of being born. […] Maberry asked if an abortion could be performed, but her doctor told her he could not perform an abortion for her or induce her because of the law. […] Maberry said she called the National Abortion Hotline, which referred her to an abortion clinic in Chicago.” [ABC News, 6/15/23]
- Kentucky Medicaid Would Not Cover The Procedure, Forcing The Mother To Find Other Sources Of Funding. According to CNN, “Since Kentucky Medicaid wouldn’t cover the procedure, the Maberrys sought help from organizations that support abortion and from family and friends, but they still couldn’t raise enough for an induction. A clinic in Chicago agreed to do a surgical procedure called a dilation and evacuation for free, and organizations that support abortion rights paid for their travel expenses, Heather said.” [CNN, 7/7/23]
A Kentucky Woman Was Forced To Travel To Maryland And Pay $7,500 Out Of Pocket For Treatment After Being Denied An Abortion For Her Fetus Diagnosed With A Fatal Condition. According to WDRB, “But at 19 weeks, the doctor told Smith and Goodin their baby had a fatal birth defect called anencephaly, which causes babies to be born without parts of the brain and skull. If a baby with anencephaly is born alive, they usually live just a few hours or days. […] At 21 weeks pregnant, Smith and Goodin traveled to Maryland to be induced. They payed $7,500 out of pocket for the termination alone, a procedure Smith said would've been covered by her insurance had it been legal in Kentucky. ‘Nobody should have to travel that far to get health care,’ she said.” [WDRB, 7/13/23]
¶ Cameron Has Made Opposition To Abortion A Centerpiece Of His Campaign And Career
¶ Cameron Celebrated Decreased Abortion Access
Cameron Celebrated “One Year Since Abortion Ended In The Commonwealth.” According to Cameron's Twitter, “It’s been one year since abortion ended in the Commonwealth. In our state, life wins.” [Twitter, @kyoag, 8/1/23]
Cameron Shared A Remembrance Of Anti-Choice Activist Margie Montgomery After Her Death. According to Cameron's Twitter, “Makenze & I send our heartfelt condolences to Margie's family. A trailblazer, she pioneered the powerful pro-life movement in Kentucky 5 decades ago. And thanks to her compassionate voice, Kentuckians honor the sanctity of life more now than ever before.” [Twitter, @DanielCameronAG, 7/8/23]
Cameron Said “The Elective Abortion Industry Is Out Of Business In Kentucky.”
[Twitter, @kyoag, 6/20/23]
Daniel Cameron Celebrate Kentucky’s Almost Total Ban On Abortion Saying “I'm Proud That Since August Of Last Year, The Abortion Facilities Have Been Closed In Kentucky.” According to Spectrum News, “MODERATOR: ‘Right now, Kentucky trigger law and a six week ban on abortion are in place while the courts are reviewing challenges to their constitutionality. But would you support any exceptions to Kentucky's current abortion law? And if so, what exceptions are they?’ DANIEL CAMERON: ‘Well, I support the current law. And of course, Mario, you know that I've been defending the Human Life Protection Act. And I'm proud that since August of last year, the abortion facilities have been closed in Kentucky and there have been very few abortions. [...] And so I will continue to support the Human Life Protection Act and the exception that exists therein.’” [Spectrum News Debate, 3/7/23]
Cameron Said “I’m Honored” To Have “Helped Make Sure There Have Been Fewer Abortions Here In Kentucky.” According to WLKY, “The attorney general had just been handed a victory that morning, when Kentucky's Supreme Court ruled in his favor in a case involving the state's trigger ban and fetal heartbeat law. Cameron challenged a lower court's temporary injunction blocking the abortion ban and the Supreme Court upheld an appeals court ruling overturning the injunction. He received a round of applause for his office's work on the case. ‘I'm honored to be the attorney general that has helped make sure there have been fewer abortions here in Kentucky,’ he told the audience.” [WLKY, 2/17/23]
Cameron Celebrated That Kentucky Abortion Restrictions Prevented Hundreds Of Abortions. According to Cameron's Twitter, “Our office has worked tirelessly to protect the unborn by defending the Human Life Protection Act. Six months ago, this Act, which prohibits elective abortions, was reinstated. Since that time, this law has likely saved hundreds of unborn lives.” [Twitter, @kyoag, 2/1/23]
2022: Cameron Claimed He “Ended Abortion In The Commonwealth Of Kentucky.” According to Cameron’s Twitter, “There’s only ONE candidate who can say they’ve: ✅ENDED abortion in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. ✅Fought for your Constitutional rights ALL the way to the US Supreme Court. ✅Gone toe-to-toe with the Biden Administration and WON. And that candidate is me.” [Twitter, @DanielCameronAG, 8/8/22]
¶ Cameron Celebrated The Dobbs Decision
Cameron Celebrated The One Year Anniversary Of Dobbs. According to Cameron's Twitter, “On the Anniversary of Dobbs, Kentucky continues to lead on the issue of life. Every life is worth protecting, and I will continue to be a voice for mothers, families, and unborn babies throughout our Commonwealth.” [Twitter, @DanielCameronAG, 6/25/23]
Cameron Celebrated The One Year Anniversary Of Dobbs And Said Kentuckians Should “Recommit Ourselves To Building A Culture Of Life.” According to Cameron's Twitter, “On the first anniversary of the Dobbs decision, let’s recommit ourselves to building a culture of life and supporting new mothers. I’m proud of my record to defend Kentucky’s pro-life laws, and I’ll be proud to be a pro-life Governor.” [Twitter, @DanielCameronAG, 6/24/23]
Cameron Celebrated The Overturn Of Roe V. Wade On “Sanctity Of Life Day.” According to Cameron's Twitter, “Nearly 7 months ago, #SCOTUS issued a landmark decision, overturning Roe v. Wade & returning the issue of abortion to states. As states deliberate over this issue, let us renew our commitment to protecting the unborn & defending the sanctity of life. #SanctityofLifeDay” [Twitter, @kyoag, 1/22/23]
¶ Cameron Campaigned On His Anti-Abortion Stances
The 19th: Abortion Was A “Central Issue” In Cameron’s Gubernatorial Run. According to The 19th, “‘Only one candidate stopped abortion in Kentucky: Daniel Cameron,’ boasts a September 2022 ad from his campaign for governor. For the current attorney general and now Republican gubernatorial nominee, it’s a central issue in his run. It is for abortion rights advocates, too.” [19th News, 8/28/23]
- Cameron Used His Statewide Position To Support Restrictions On Abortion In Kentucky And Across The Country. According to The 19th, “He’s used his statewide executive position that he’s held since 2019 to defend abortion bans in Kentucky, where the procedure is currently outlawed, and to support restrictions on abortion around the country.” [19th News, 8/28/23]
- Cameron’s Opposition To Abortion Earned Him Support From Anti-Abortion Groups. According to The 19th, “‘Daniel Cameron has, without a doubt, put abortion front and center in his priorities since he stepped foot into the attorney general’s office,’ said Tamarra Wieder, Kentucky state director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. Cameron’s anti-abortion bona fides have helped boost his career and earned him the support of leading anti-abortion groups. But Kentucky’s strict abortion ban and voters’ recent rejection of further constitutional prohibitions on abortion complicates the mobilizing power of the issue for his general election chances.” [19th News, 8/28/23]
- Cameron Repeatedly Defended Kentucky’s Abortion Law As It Was Written, Without Rape And Incest Exceptions. According to The 19th, “Before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last summer, Cameron sued Beshear’s administration to enforce a 15-week abortion ban passed by lawmakers. The court’s ruling triggered a stricter near-total ban, with no exceptions for rape and incest, to go into effect; Cameron defended it both in court and in public. He repeatedly said he supports the law as written and does not support additional exemptions.” [19th News, 8/28/23]
- Cameron Led Briefs Opposing Abortion Across The Country. According to The 19th, “Cameron has consistently used his office to oppose abortion access beyond Kentucky’s borders. He, along with fellow Republican attorneys general, led a brief supporting a waiting period requirement in Tennessee in 2021 and signed onto amicus briefs supporting Mississippi’s case in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2021, a six-week ban in South Carolina in 2022 and a 15-week abortion ban in Florida in 2023. He’s also recently joined other Republican AGs in supporting an effort to revoke the Food & Drug Administration’s initial approval of mifepristone, one of the pills used in medication abortions.” [19th News, 8/28/23]
- Cameron Has Focused Less On Abortion And More On Opposing Transgender Rights On The Campaign Trail. According to The 19th, “With the reality of a near-total abortion ban now being the law of the land in Kentucky. Cameron, like other Republican candidates around the country, has emphasized abortion less and less on the campaign trail in favor of rhetoric opposing transgender rights, specifically focusing on sports participation and gender-affirming care for transgender youth.” [19th News, 8/28/23]
- A Kentucky Planned Parenthood Director Said Abortion Was A Losing Issue For Cameron. According to The 19th, “‘We have not seen a lot of talk from gubernatorial candidates across the board about abortion because they can’t use that as their political football anymore,’ Cooper said. Wieder argued transgender youth have replaced abortion as a political ‘boogeyman,’ denouncing Cameron and other Republicans’ attacks as ‘despicable’ and ‘deceitful.’ ‘I think that it points to the fact that abortion is not going to win him a seat in the governor’s office because abortion is a losing issue for him,’ Wieder said. ‘It is a winning issue for another candidate because abortion is something that is important to Kentuckians.’” [19th News, 8/28/23]Cameron Released A Press Release Bragging About His Anti-Abortion Actions In Office. According to Daniel Cameron’s Press Release, “Nearly one year after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, Attorney General Daniel Cameron highlighted his office’s efforts to protect the sanctity of life since the landmark ruling. ‘Every life is worth protecting, and I will continue to be a voice for mothers, families, and unborn babies throughout our Commonwealth,’ said Attorney General Cameron. ‘My office has spent the last year vigorously defending our state’s pro-life legislation at every level of the judicial system. Despite baseless legal challenges by abortion activists, the right to life is winning in Kentucky. I look forward to a future that prioritizes real life-affirming options and support for everyone who needs them.’” [Daniel Cameron Press Release, 6/23/23]
Cameron Continued To Discuss Abortion In His Campaign Speech And Called For The “Unborn” To “Reach Their God-Given Potential.” According to The Associated Press, “Cameron kept pounding away Tuesday on topics that could mobilize socially conservative voters, including abortion and transgender issues. As attorney general, Cameron has defended Kentucky’s anti-abortion laws, including a near-total ban on the procedure that is being challenged in court. Touting his anti-abortion stand Tuesday, he said his vision for Kentucky would protect ‘the most vulnerable, that cherished asset, our unborn.’ ‘It’s a vision in which we make sure that those that are unborn are able to reach their God-given potential,’ Cameron said.” [Associated Press, 6/13/23]
Cameron Said “I’ve Fought For The Sanctity Of Life In Kentucky.” According to Cameron's Twitter, “As attorney general, I’ve fought for the sanctity of life in Kentucky. As governor, I will continue to protect the lives of the unborn.” [Twitter, @DanielCameronAG, 3/9/23]
2019: Cameron Said He Made “No Apologies For My Opposition To Abortion” And Claimed “Liberal Extremists” Supported “Partial-Birth Abortion Up To The Moment Of Birth And Even Post-Birth.” According to The Louisville Courier Journal, “I fully believe the role of the Attorney General’s Office is to enforce the law. And like most Kentuckians, I am pro-life and make no apologies for my opposition to abortion. On the other hand, my opponent was hostile to pro-life legislation and routinely blocked pro-life bills from becoming law when he served as speaker of the House, which was a despicable use of his power. What we have seen recently in other states is that an ‘expansion’ of abortion on demand means liberal extremists have included partial-birth abortion up to the moment of birth and even post-birth. That’s wrong. A partial-birth abortion is a heinous practice that has no place in a modern society. I hope the legislature continues to uphold bans on practices such as these.” [Louisville Courier Journal, 10/28/19]
¶ Cameron Attended Anti-Abortion Events
Cameron Attended The Anti-Abortion Group Clarity Solutions’ Annual Gala. According to Cameron's Twitter, “Grateful to have attended the Clarity Solutions Annual Gala last night and to have had the opportunity to close the event in prayer. Clarity’s mission to empower women and families to make healthy, life-affirming choices regarding pregnancy is so important. Proud to say that my mother is a board member. It’s an honor to support such a wonderful organization.” [Twitter, @DanielCameronAG, 5/3/23]
Cameron Spoke At The Heartbeat International Annual Conference. According to Cameron's Twitter, “It was an honor to speak at the Heartbeat International Annual Conference yesterday. I am thankful to pro-life organizations like @HeartbeatIntl for the incredible work they do on behalf of the unborn.” [Twitter, @kyoag, 4/27/23]
Cameron Attended The Sisters For Life’s Black History Month Life Celebration. According to Cameron's Twitter, “It was an honor to join @AngelaMinterky at Sisters for Life’s Black History Month Life Celebration Rally in Frankfort today. This Black History Month, let us celebrate the Black community’s contributions to the pro-life movement and persist in the work that remains to be done.” [Twitter, @kyoag, 2/22/23]
¶ Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood Released Three Ads Highlighting Cameron’s Support For Kentucky’s Abortion Ban With No Rape And Incest Exceptions. According to a Planned Parenthood press release, “Today, Planned Parenthood Action Kentucky launched a six figure ad campaign focused on what’s at stake for abortion rights in the 2023 Kentucky elections. The first ads, ‘Wrong,’ ‘Control,’ and ‘Bans,’ highlight Gubernatorial candidate Daniel Cameron’s support for Kentucky’s total abortion ban which has no exceptions for rape and incest; his willingness to let states prosecute doctors and nurses for providing essential health care; and his eagerness to ban funding for birth control.” [Planned Parenthood Press Release, 9/19/23]
Planned Parenthood Action Of Kentucky Said They Had Plans To Get Involved In A “Pretty Robust Way” To Oppose Cameron. According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, “Nearly a year after abortion rights activists scored a big win at the polls, the Kentucky chapter of the nation’s largest abortion provider has plans to get involved in a ‘pretty robust’ way to support Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. […] Wieder added that she believes Protect Kentucky Access’ success is proof positive that abortion rights are a ‘uniting issue.’ When asked about what kind of messaging the group will pursue, Wieder referenced Cameron’s recent decision to co-sign a letter from GOP attorneys general seeking to retain the option to access the medical information of Kentuckians who leave the state for reproductive health care services, including abortions.” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/13/23]
Planned Parenthood Planned To Get Involved In The Kentucky Gubernatorial Race, But Had Not Yet Reported Raising Or Spending Any Funds. According to The Lexington Herald-Leader, “The abortion rights and family planning group Planned Parenthood is planning to get involved in the governor’s race. The group formed a PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Kentucky, with the intention of involvement in this year’s races. Weider told the Herald-Leader that the PAC would attempt to build on the successes of Protect Kentucky Access, a group that led the successful ‘no’ campaign on a proposed anti-abortion rights constitutional amendment vote in 2022. Weider indicated that the PAC would criticize Cameron’s record on abortion rights. As attorney general, Cameron has defended Kentucky’s trigger ban on abortions, which notably does not include exceptions for rape or incest. So far, the PAC has not reported raising or spending any funds, though Weider promised ‘a pretty robust campaign.’” [Lexington Herald-Leader, 9/12/23]
¶ Cameron Embraced Anti-Choice Endorsements
June 2023: National Right To Life Endorsed Cameron. According to a National Right to Life Press Release, “National Right to Life announced its endorsement of Attorney General Daniel Cameron in the race for Kentucky Governor. ‘National Right to Life is pleased to endorse Daniel Cameron for Kentucky Governor,’ said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. ‘As Attorney General, Daniel Cameron has defended commonsense measures to protect the lives of unborn children, and he is a strong advocate for providing pregnant women with the support they need to make life-affirming decisions.’ Daniel Cameron supports protections for unborn children and their mothers, and he opposes using Kentucky tax dollars to pay for abortions. As Governor, he will be a fighter for Kentucky’s pregnancy help centers, which offer women and their families critical support and resources when facing an unexpected pregnancy.” [National Right To Life Press Release, 6/22/23]
June 2023: Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Praised Cameron As A “Tireless Defender Of The Unborn.” According to Kentucky Today, “The Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America took notice of Tuesday’s abortion providers dismissing their challenge to Kentucky’s Human Life Protection Act and praised Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s efforts. ‘We celebrate this win for Kentucky women and children and thank Attorney General Daniel Cameron for being a tireless defender of the unborn and for zealously defending Kentucky’s pro-life laws,’ said Sue Liebel, director of state affairs and Midwest regional director for SBA Pro-Life America. ‘The Human Life Protection Act, along with the Humanity in Healthcare Act that was upheld in federal court last week, make Kentucky one of the strongest pro-life states.’” [Kentucky Today, 6/23/23]
- Cameron Celebrated His Susan B. Anthony Endorsement And Said “God Bless All Those Standing For Life” At The 50th March For Life. According to Cameron's Twitter, “As an @sbaprolife endorsed conservative and someone who has admired Tony Dungy for a long time, I continue to be inspired by his courage and faith in the face of vile and hateful rhetoric. God bless all those standing for life at the 50th @March_for_Life.” [Twitter, @DanielCameronAG, 1/20/23]
2023: Cameron Was Endorsed By Kentucky Right To Life Victory PAC With “100% ProLife Responses” On The Candidate Questionnaire.
[Kentucky Right To Life Victory Pact, Viewed 3/2/23]
- Candidates Were Required To Complete The Entire Kentucky Right To Life Survey In Order To Be Considered For Endorsement. According to the KRTL Survey, “The online survey must be received in our office no later than Sunday Jan 22, 2023. A completed and signed 2023 questionnaire is required for endorsement consideration. (Please note, all questions must be completed to be considered for endorsement.)” [Kentucky Right to Life, Viewed 3/3/23]
- Question 1 Of The Survey Asked If Candidates Would Support A “Human Life Amendment” To The U.S. Constitution Which Would Treat Unborn Fetuses The Same As Human Beings. According to the KRTL Candidate Questionnaire, “1. On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned the 1973 law by which the U.S. Supreme Court had legalized abortion on demand resulting to date in the destruction of 64 million preborn babies. If you were in a position to do so, would you support a Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would, with respect to the right to life, treat as ‘persons’ all human beings, born and unborn, regardless of age, health or condition of dependency?” [Kentucky Right to Life, Viewed 3/6/23]
- Question 2 On The Candidate Questionnaire Asked If The Candidates Were “Morally And Medically” Opposed To Medication Abortions, And If The Candidates Would “Advocate, Support, Sign Into Law And/OR Defend Banning Mail Order Abortion Drugs.” According to the KRTL Candidate Questionnaire, “2a. Are you morally and/or medically opposed to chemical abortions, such as RU-486, the abortion pill, and other drugs known to prevent the newly created human being from attaching (implantation) to his/her mother’s womb or medications that cause the woman’s body to expel her developing child in the early stages of her pregnancy? […] 2b. If you are in a position to do so, would you advocate, support, sign into law and/or defend banning mail order abortion drugs, i.e. chemical abortion medications/RU-486 and the distribution thereof in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and requiring that women seeking to terminate their pregnancy be seen and treated by a licensed physician?” [Kentucky Right to Life, Viewed 3/6/23]
¶ Cameron Praised Dangerous Crisis Pregnancy Centers
¶ Cameron Frequently Visited And Praised Dangerous Crisis Pregnancy Centers
2023: Cameron Visited And Praised Dangerous Crisis Pregnancy Centers. According to The American Independent, “Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who in January officially filed to run for governor in the Bluegrass State, visited a crisis pregnancy center earlier this month that a leading medical group says offers misleading or incorrect medical information that ‘undermine women's health.’ ‘I was grateful for the opportunity to visit the Pregnancy Help Center in Richmond earlier this week. This medical clinic is an amazing resource, offering free medical services, compassionate support, & information for women, men, & families affected by an unplanned pregnancy,’ Cameron, who is running in the Republican primary to challenge Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in November, tweeted on Feb. 5. The Pregnancy Help Center is among hundreds of fake abortion clinics across the United States that ‘oppose abortion, shame abortion care, or promote alternatives to abortion,’ according to Reproaction, a nonprofit that works to advance reproductive freedom.” [American Independent, 2/24/23]
- The American Medical Association Said Crisis Pregnancy Centers “Should Be Regarded As An Ethical Violation That Undermines Women’s Health.” According to The American Independent, “The American Medical Association says crisis pregnancy centers such as the one Cameron visited: strive to give the impression that they are clinical centers, offering legitimate medical services and advice, yet they are exempt from regulatory, licensure, and credentialing oversight that apply to health care facilities. Because the religious ideology of these centers’ owners and employees takes priority over the health and well-being of the women seeking care at these centers, women do not receive comprehensive, accurate, evidence-based clinical information about all available options. Although crisis pregnancy centers enjoy First Amendment rights protections, their propagation of misinformation should be regarded as an ethical violation that undermines women’s health.” [American Independent, 2/24/23]
May 2023: Cameron Praised Pregnancy Centers For Providing Early Ultrasounds And Celebrated Cancelled Abortion Appointments On The Day The Dobbs Decision Was Released. According to Pregnancy Help News, “Cameron praised pregnancy centers responsible for bringing ultrasound into widespread use to ‘reveal the truth… that a child's story has begun well before a child is born.’ He also said his team finds encouragement in a local news report, posted around their office, that Kentucky’s largest abortion provider canceled all 20 of its appointments the day the Dobbs decision came down. Further, he said, all abortion facilities in the Commonwealth have been shuttered ‘indefinitely.’ But victories like these are only part of creating a culture of life.” [Pregnancy Health News, 4/30/23]
March 2023: Cameron Toured Haven Care Center, A Crisis Pregnancy Center. According to Cameron's Twitter, “Today, I toured Haven Care Center in Danville. This crisis pregnancy center serves four counties and provides a haven for women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. I'm grateful for the life-affirming care centers like Haven provide for women and families.” [Twitter, @DanielCameronAG, 3/30/23]
February 2023: Cameron Visited A Pregnancy Help Center In Richmond And Praised Them As An “Amazing Resource.” According to Cameron's Twitter, “I was grateful for the opportunity to visit the Pregnancy Help Center in Richmond earlier this week. This medical clinic is an amazing resource, offering free medical services, compassionate support, & information for women, men, & families affected by an unplanned pregnancy.” [Twitter, @kyoag, 2/5/23]