FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Lexington-based organization and several lawmakers are calling on Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron to investigate the University of Louisville's ties to a surgical center where abortions are performed.
Leaders with the Family Foundation say the EMW Women's Surgical Center is being staffed by U of L doctors, and that while being paid by the university, they are performing abortions.
The group says they have documents showing the school's close involvement.
They believe this violates state laws that prohibit taxpayer-funded abortions.
The foundation says dozens of lawmakers have signed a letter asking Cameron investigate.
“At least one of the two physicians from U of L who are working at the clinic, she says in her deposition that she thinks U of L is paying her salary for her role at EMW," said Martin Cochrane, The Family Foundation Spokesperson. "That may or may not be the case with the other physician, but that is very disturbing.”
U of L President Neeli Bendapudi responded to the accusations. She says all of their programs are in compliance with state and federal laws.
She says U of L residents in the OBGYN program work in the surgical center as a part of a rotation that is required based on accreditation guidelines.
“The fact that we provide that rotation here, that if we didn't provide that education here, then our medical residents in the OBGYN program and the University of Kentucky would have to leave the state. They'd have to get it somewhere,” said Bendapudi.
The Family Foundation says their letter is heading to Daniel Cameron’s desk.
