FRANKFORT – In front of a record crowd at the annual Kentucky Right to Life Rally Thursday, Gov. Matt Bevin ceremonially signed Senate Bill 4, a pro-life bill to ensure informed consent prior to abortions.

“I am humbled to be here as the governor of Kentucky, where we value the sanctity of life,” Bevin said in a statement. “We must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to protect the rights of the unborn child. I’m honored to sign this important pro-life legislation. I sincerely appreciate the determination and persistence shown by our legislators in order to make this a reality. Today marks a great victory for Kentucky values.”

A number of legislators joined Bevin for the ceremony, including: Senate President Robert Stivers, Senate Minority Leader Damon Thayer, Sen. Julie Raque Adams, Sen. Jimmy Higdon, Sen. Dan Seum, Sen. Joe Bowen, Sen. Mike Wilson, Sen. Whitney Westerfield, House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover, Rep. Stan Lee, Rep. Jim DeCesare, Rep. Robert Benvenuti, Rep. Joe Fischer, Rep. David Floyd, Rep. Kim King, Rep. Tim Moore, Rep. Russell Webber and Rep. Addia Wuchner.

“The Senate Majority Caucus has been trying to pass pro-life legislation for over a decade,” Stivers said in a state news release. “We were proud to finally see this measure make its way through the process, and we appreciate all those in the legislature and Governor Bevin for fighting for the rights of the unborn.”

“This day has been long awaited by many of us who are pro-life and who support pro-life causes,” Hoover said in the release. “I’m extremely proud to have been a part of the effort to deliver to Gov. Bevin his very first bill to be signed into law – a bill that will save the lives of unborn children.” (KPNS)