Politicians are sly and have been known to push for their own agenda in office, rather than the agenda of the common good. Newly elected Kentucky Governor, Matt Bevin, made this clear today when sending a cease/desist letter to the Louisville Planned Parenthood to stop performing abortions.

According to the Courier-Journal, Planned Parenthood was ordered to stop performing abortions at its new facility in Louisville by the administration of Gov. Bevin, claiming it is not in compliance with state licensing standards.

“People have to travel far and wide to reach these basic gynecological care,” said Tamarra Wieder, Director of External Affairs of Planned Parenthood. “I think the climate in Kentucky makes it difficult for people to open up a medical center that provides abortions. There hasn’t been a new abortion provider in Kentucky for over 20 years.”

Bevin is openly known as an anti-abortion Republican. And according to WKYT, Bevin found out on Thursday that the Louisville clinic was performing abortions. After it was brought to his attention, the governor released a statement released that night, saying they “are openly and knowingly operating an unlicensed abortion facility in clear violation of the law.”

While that Planned Parenthood clinic is an abortion provider, only three percent of all Planned Parenthood services are abortions, according to its website.

The majority of its services include education, information, and services needed to make responsible choices about sex and reproduction.

The Kentucky Planned Parenthood responded to Bevin by saying they had applied for a license and “commenced services under the guidance of the Office of Inspector General, the state office that is responsible for licensing health facilities.”

Manhunts toward Planned Parenthood clinics have been increasing within the beginning of the year. For example, Senate Bill 4 (passed in the Kentucky Senate on Jan. 9) mandates an in-person counseling session between a woman and her physician 24 hours before an abortion procedure, even in cases of rape or incest.

“Women’s access to healthcare in Kentucky is very limited. For women trying to receive access, and even just preventive health care, it is very difficult,” Wieder said.

It is clear Bevin has a personal vendetta against a woman’s right to an abortion, and toward Planned Parenthood all together, and it is a shame that women’s access to healthcare is being harmed because of the beliefs of a politician.

Jamilyn Hall is the opinions editor of the Kentucky Kernel.

Email [email protected]