Frankfort, KY. — Performing an abortion based on the unborn child’s gender, race, color, national origin or disability would be a felony offense under a bill that has passed the Kentucky House. House Bill 5 sponsor Rep. Melinda Gibbons Prunty said the legislation would prohibit the abortion of an unborn child based on characteristics that are protected by law after a child is born. Prunty said anyone who performs or induces an abortion knowing that the mother wants the abortion based, at least in part, on the sex, race, color, national origin or disability of her unborn child would face a felony charge carrying up to five years in prison and revocation of their license to practice in Kentucky. Exceptions would only be made in a medical emergency involving the mother. HB 5 contains an emergency clause which would require the legislation to be enforced immediately should it become law. HB 5 passed the House on a vote of 67-25. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.