A SECOND OPINION
( continued from page 35 ) noting Resolution 15 would allow the KMA an audience with some of our state legislators and should be supported . Dr . Neal Moser , immediate past President of the KMA , admitted as much on the floor of the House later that day , acknowledging from microphone # 1 that Resolution 15 would “ at least get us a seat at the table .” On the floor of the House , there was indeed support for Resolution 15 , as amended to include language opposing criminal sanctions against health care providers and patients . Resolution 15 passed with 87 % of delegates supporting the resolution , in lieu of three of the four other abortion related resolutions . The fourth , Resolution 23 , passed , but notably , amended with the words “ abortion ” and “ contraception ” removed .
In supporting Resolution 15 in lieu of the others , and at the recommendation of the Reference Committee , the KMA House of Delegates bowed to pressure from unnamed state legislators who , seemingly , believe they command control of the verbiage used by the state ’ s largest physician organization when discussing health policy . Logically , one might conclude that physicians should command control of the verbiage and lead the direction of health policy . Ultimately , though , Resolution 15 was just easier ; no one had to say any words they didn ’ t want to say , words they had , de facto , been barred from saying anyhow .
The calmer and steadier among us in our GLMS Caucus meeting , discussing strategy for winning support for reproductive choice on the floor of the House , saw a path forward in Resolution 15 to engage with our allegedly esteemed legislators . Meanwhile , the more determined and indignant among us wondered aloud “ how we were even having this conversation in 2022 .” However , Delegates present shouldn ’ t have suffered fools lightly , for if you can ’ t say “ gay ” in Florida then why dare to think they would allow us to say “ abortion ” in Kentucky . Aren ’ t they all taking from the same playbook ?
While the identity of they remains murky , discovery is rather inconsequential . At the end of the day , the House passed a spineless version of support for the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship as it relates to one of the most pressing issues of the day . All the while , some legislators sanctimoniously controlled the conversation with side room threats . One may argue Resolution 15 was broad and protective across a range of issues . However , abortion and reproductive rights are what is on the table now . “ Abortion ” and “ reproductive rights ” are words other authors wanted to , and should have , used now . There is always the 2023 House of Delegates to debate the next assault on the patient-physician relationship and patient autonomy .
We all , individually , would be right to remind our legislators that they are elected and paid by all of us , regardless of political affiliation or social bent , to listen to the words we say to them . The KMA and the House of Delegates would do well , with determination and courage , to remind them of this , as well . Resolutions that are candy-coated for palatability will buy only a seat for the timid at the table . Candy coatings are , after all , meager protection from soft , gooey insides melting in sweaty palms .
Dr . Kolter is a practicing internist with Baptist Health .
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