House Bill 3 contains a number of provisions — ranging from tighter restrictions on minors seeking abortions to a 15-week across-the-board abortion ban — rolled into one package that easily sailed through the GOP-led General Assembly.
In his veto explanation, Beshear cited the lack of exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest, adding victims of those crimes should have options and not be "further scarred" be a process that could treat them like offenders themselves.
The 15-week ban is designed to kick into effect in Kentucky if the Supreme Court should uphold Mississippi's similar ban this summer.
Backers of the bill maintain it would protect the health of women seeking an abortion. Planned Parenthood has labeled it "the most dangerous package of anti-abortion policies to come out of the Kentucky General Assembly."
Beshear's veto may not last long, however, with the legislature set to return to Frankfort for two more days next week and more than enough votes to comfortably override.