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Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(1) A woman on whom an abortion was performed or induced in violation of KRS 311.7705(1) or 311.7706(1) may file a civil action for the wrongful death of her unborn child.
(2) A woman who prevails in an action filed under subsection (1) of this section shall receive from the person who performed or induced the abortion:
(a) Damages in an amount equal to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or an amount determined by the trier of fact after consideration of the evidence at the mother's election at any time prior to final judgment subject to the same defenses and requirements of proof, except any requirement of live birth, as would apply to a suit for the wrongful death of a child who had been born alive; and
(b) Court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.
(3) A determination that KRS 311.7705(1) or 311.7706(1) is unconstitutional shall be a defense to an action filed under subsection (1) of this section alleging that the defendant violated the subsection that was determined to be unconstitutional.
(4) If the defendant in an action filed under subsection (1) of this section prevails and:
(a) The court finds that the commencement of the action constitutes frivolous conduct;
(b) The court's finding in paragraph (a) of this subsection is not based on that court or another court determining that KRS 311.7705(1) or 311.7706(1) is unconstitutional; and
(c) The court finds that the defendant was adversely affected by the frivolous conduct;
the court shall award reasonable attorney's fees to the defendant.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XXVI. Occupations and Professions § 311.7709.Civil action for wrongful death of unborn child; damages, costs, fees; defense - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ky/title-xxvi-occupations-and-professions/ky-rev-st-sect-311-7709/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
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