Louisville Safety Zone Ordinance Passes Out of Metro Council Committee

Reproductive Rights Advocates Praise the Council’s Efforts to Help Protect Patient Safety

LOUISVILLE, KY — Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana and Kentucky (PPAIK) and the Kentucky Health Justice Network (KHJN) praise the passage of the Louisville Safety Zone ordinance out of the Louisville Community Affairs, Health, & Education Committee today. The ordinance now moves to the full Metro Council to be heard on August 20 for a final vote.

Louisville Councilman Brandon Coan filed safety zone legislation last week, along with nine sponsors. The proposed safety zone would create a 12-foot safety zone for patients entering and exiting medical facilities as they access care.

The ordinance passed out of committee by a vote of (4-2).

Statement from Erin Smith, Executive Director for KHJN:

“Elections matter. We have worked for years to pass local legislation to protect patient access to care at medical facilities through safety zone ordinances and until now they have failed. The members who voted to pass the ordinance today are on the right side of history. Medical facilities are being pushed to their limits during this pandemic. Without buffer zones, patients are unnecessarily bullied, stigmatized and shamed for seeking basic health care, including abortion care. These buffers ensure access to health care facilities and mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Let this ordinance be a step in the right direction to make our city a place of progress and compassion.”

Statement from Tamarra Wieder, Kentucky State Director for PPAIK:

“Patient safety is a top priority for Planned Parenthood. No one should have to push their way through protestors to access the care they need. This common sense legislation is long overdue and we are one step closer to providing the protections necessary for patients as they enter and exit medical facilities. Permanent safety zones are common across the country and it is time the City of Louisville got on board. It should be the mission of all community leaders to increase access to care, especially during a global pandemic, and this is a step forward in that direction.”