Kentucky's strict abortion ban already outlaws mailing or delivering abortion medication in the state, but House Bill 646 would make importing the drugs into the commonwealth with the intent to sell or distribute a Class D felony.
Class D felonies are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines can range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Kentucky Right to Life Executive Director Addia Wuchner testified in committee last year about new efforts to target imported drugs, both for the purposes of abortion and assisted suicide. The former Kentucky lawmaker told KET last month the legislation is in line with existing state law.
She said the bill deals with how the state is "going to do with the illegal trafficking of these drugs, the life-terminating drugs, that already offensive to the law of Kentucky."
Detractors worry that the bill will increase scrutiny on individuals or groups seeking to help Kentuckians access abortion in states where it is legal.
"People are being criminalized for their reproductive care," says Lexington Democratic Rep. Lindsey Burke.
Burke is pushing for legislation that would prohibit the criminalization of crossing state lines for an abortion or helping someone do so. It would also protect physicians who recommend patients go out-of-state for abortion care.